Fire Fighting in Canada: The Podcast

Randy Schroeder, fire chief of the Town of Mayerthorpe Fire Department in Alberta, earned the 2020 Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year at the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and the Fire Underwriters Survey of Canada Fire Rescue Canada’s 2020 Celebration of Excellence. Chief Schroeder, who also serves as President of the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association and as fire chief for Lac Ste. Anne County on top of his role of chief in Mayerthorpe, was recognized for leadership and involvement in promoting, supporting and facilitating fire protection mandates in his community. He joins podcast host Chief Tom DeSorcy for a conversation about his career trajectory, successes and challenges he’s experienced within the volunteer fire sector and what he expects is to come.

Red Deer Chief of Emergency Service Ken McMullen earned the 2020 Career Fire Chief of the Year at the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and the Fire Underwriters Survey of Canada Fire Rescue Canada’s 2020 Celebration of Excellence. Chief McMullen was recognized for his efforts in the field of fire education throughout Alberta and his work to reduce the stigma associated with mental health advocacy to ensure supports are available for responders. He joins podcast host Chief Tom DeSorcy for a conversation on his career trajectory, work in fire prevention and investigation and his strong focus on mental health within the fire service.

We’re getting to know Joe Zatylny, the new fire chief in Edmonton, and his vision for the department in Fire Fighting in Canada’s latest podcast. Zatylny shares his background and what it was like becoming fire chief of a large urban department during the pandemic with host Tom DeSorcy, the fire chief in Hope, B.C. Zatylny discusses mental health, diversity, inclusion and being a modern municipal partner as key priorities he’s identified for the evolving Edmonton department.

Mark Healey, planning chief for the BC Wildfire Service, talks to Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy about changes in wildfire management, including the rise of wildland urban interface and building successful partnerships. Healey recently came back from assisting with the bushfire crisis in Australia and he shares what he learned from the Australian operation and novel fire behaviour.

Mental wellness is closely related to preventative care. For the fire service, this means reaching out for help before one’s sense of self seriously deteriorates. Nick Halmasy, a former firefighter who is now a registered psychotherapist and founder of After the Call, joins host Tom DeSorcy, the fire chief in Hope, B.C., for a conversation about his experience with stressful calls alongside determining what is a normal stress response and what is not. He emphasizes there are a multitude of roles stress plays in a person’s life. A serious state of distress may not always indicate PTSD, but needs appropriate help nonetheless.

What is the status of today’s volunteer fire service in Canada? Take a look through the eyes of Fire Fighting in Canada Volunteer Vision columnists Tom DeSorcy and Vince Mackenzie; two chiefs at the heart of volunteer fire service delivery. Recruitment, retention, increased training demands and an ageing membership will form the conversation alongside succession planning and meeting the needs of the future. How will service delivery change in the changing world?

Firefighters don’t like to show their weaknesses or vulnerabilities. They often keep their problems to themselves instead of reaching out for help. That’s what happened to Chris Howe, an acting captain with the Niagara Falls Fire Department. He suffered from mental health issues and became an alcoholic and drug addict and was suicidal. One day, though, he reached out and found help.Chris talks to Fire Fighting in Canada editor Grant Cameron about his struggles and eventual recovery from the depths of despair. He provides a personal, no-holds-barred account of his battles with mental health, alcoholism, addiction and his journey to recovery. That recovery began about eight years ago and Chris now shares his story in hopes it will help others in similar predicaments.

A Canadian study is calling for the creation of a national firefighter wellness surveillance system to help address soaring cancer rates and other key firefighter health risks.The study looked at 10 years of firefighter health and injury data and found that cancer caused more than 86 per cent of firefighter fatalities – overtaking cardiovascular disease as the top killer of Canadian firefighters.The study was conducted by the British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit and the University of the Fraser Valley in B.C.Fire Fighting in Canada editor Grant Cameron spoke with several of the authors of the study.See the graph below for more information about firefighter illness, injury and death in Canada, or go to https://cjr.ufv.ca/ to view the study.

A Canadian study is calling for the creation of a national firefighter wellness surveillance system to help address soaring cancer rates and other key firefighter health risks.The study looked at 10 years of firefighter health and injury data and found that cancer caused more than 86 per cent of firefighter fatalities – overtaking cardiovascular disease as the top killer of Canadian firefighters.The study was conducted by the British Columbia Injury Research and Prevention Unit and the University of the Fraser Valley in B.C.Fire Fighting in Canada editor Grant Cameron spoke with several of the authors of the study.See the graph below for more information about firefighter illness, injury and death in Canada, or go to https://cjr.ufv.ca/ to view the study.

Twenty-eight years ago, at the age of 14, Tyler Pelke, deputy fire chief at the City of Red Deer Emergency Services in Alberta, went through a horrific ordeal. An assailant murdered his friend, assaulted Tyler, slit his throat, threw a blanket on him, doused it with gas, set him on fire and left him to die.Somehow, Tyler survived the violent attack. His assailant was caught and sent to prison. Later, Tyler found it within himself to confront his attacker in jail and find peace and purpose in life through a journey of forgiveness. He now speaks to audiences across North America about the power of forgiveness and why understanding your purpose in life is the key to dealing with adversity.Tyler talks to Fire Fighting in Canada editor Grant Cameron about the experience and how he refused to let the events of his past define him. Tyler believes it’s important for people to find a purpose because that will give them hope. He’s a living example of how to turn a negative into a positive.

Firefighters should brace for more forest and wildland blazes across Canada in future years because it will be the new norm as climate change takes hold. Wildland fire experts and ecologists warn that wildfires will likely become more widespread and destruction will become more severe during the summer months in Canada.Fire Fighting in Canada editor Grant Cameron spoke about the issue with Mike Flannigan, a professor of wildland fire at the University of Alberta. Flannigan says the jet stream appears to be getting weaker, which is creating conditions that are ideal for starting and fueling wildland blazes.

The National Fire Protection Association’s Canadian Regional Director, Shayne Mintz is the guest speaker on Fire Fighting in Canada the Podcast’s latest episode titled “Cannabis Challenges in the Fire Service”.Mintz shares several ways the legalization of cannabis in Canada will challenge the fire industry and what chiefs can expect to face and tips on how to get a good handle on the changes and safety concerns without getting overwhelmed. He also shares valuable resources and where chiefs can start looking for more information.

Many firefighters volunteer with humanitarian organizations, using their unique skills to help vulnerable people around the world recover from disasters. Hope, B.C., Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy speaks with Sean Freeman, acting deputy chief of prevention and inspection at Strathmore Fire Department in Alberta, who's been deployed several times to help relief teams co-ordinated by the Canadian Red Cross. Freeman has been called out to five disasters in the Caribbean and around the world.

The Nozzle Forward is a system of hose line management and fire attack developed by Seattle firefighter Aaron Fields. Tom DeSorcy, the fire chief in Hope B.C., interviews Brian Pods, an Indianapolis firefighter and technical marketing manager for Task Force Tips, on how adapting this system can help fire departments big and small develop their passion and skills for aggressive and efficient fire suppression, in particular for those lower frequency but high-risk events.

A great story told well can make the difference between a lesson learnt or a lesson lost. Fire service leaders who share stories effectively can make a big impact with their personnel. Tom DeSorcy, the fire chief in Hope B.C., talks with storytelling expert Paul Smith how to choose the right kind of story to achieve your goals and then tell it best.

Fire chiefs work through various forms of media to convey accurate and timely information to their communities. Unfortunately, misinformation thrives in the blend of traditional and social platforms that dominate today. Tom DeSorcy, the fire chief in Hope B.C., hosts a candid conversation with Steve Darling, a senior broadcast journalist and city councillor in Port Coquitlam, B.C., that will help fire chiefs determine reliable sources, develop quality relationships with journalists, best manage a press conference and ultimately cut through the noise to deliver the needed information to their community.

Hoarding presents a unique challenge and fire risk in the community for the fire service. Elaine Birchall, a hoarding behaviour and intervention specialist for over 18 years, talks to Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy about best practices for how to proceed when encountering a hoarding situation on a call. Birchall covers what defines hoarding and how to recognize it, misconceptions around hoarding and how to approach the people involved in a nonjudgmental and sensitive manner.

Laura King with NFPA Canada shares details of this year’s NFPA fire prevention theme: Serve up Fire Safety in the Kitchen. King talks about the core messages and timeliness of the campaign, alongside the resources that are available now to start building your fire prevention week campaigns. Fire prevention week started in 19245 in Canada and remains a critical public education tool.

Host and Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy talks to Sean Tracey, the chair of Home Fire Sprinkler Coalition Canada. Tracey is the former and first Canadian regional manager for the NFPA and was the deputy chief for Ottawa Fire Services before his retirement in 2019. Tracey is now championing the case for home fire sprinklers in Canada, and he shares the challenges to home fire sprinkler adoption, the perspectives of the home buyer, builder and fire service as well as the important role fire chiefs have to play in residential sprinkler adoption.To learn more about Home Fire Sprinkler Canada, visit homefiresprinklercanada.ca or follow the coalition on Twitter @HFSCinCanada. Learn more about Draeger

Karen Fry has spent over 20 years in the fire service as a firefighter, deputy chief, fire chief in Nanaimo and now the new chief for Vancouver Fire Rescue Services. She is also the 1st vice president for the Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia and a recent recipient of Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal. Fry shares the story of her career, the changing nature of women in the fire service, the challenges in her new role, protecting vulnerable populations and prioritizing the health and wellness of the department in conversation with podcast host Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy.Learn more about Draeger: https://www.draeger.com/en-us_ca/Safety/firefighting-equipment

Phil Bott, division chief for the Greater Toronto Airports Authority (GTAA) and the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute (FESTI), talks about changes in education, feedback from students, the ongoing need for recruits and the growing importance of technology.

From wildfires to floods, the nature of emergencies in Canada appear to be increasing in prevalence and damage. Is your department ready for a catastrophic event? Emergency preparedness, mitigation and management are critical cornerstones for fire departments coast to coast. Fire Fighting in Canada has brought two geographical perspectives to the table through one compelling conversation with Fire Chief Dan Derby of the Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue in B.C., and Deputy Fire Chief Tim Calhoun of Clarington, Ont. Join Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy as he talks to Chief Derby and Deputy Calhoun about what they’ve learned in their respective provinces.

While the action on the ground happens locally, a lot of important policy matters are taking shape at the federal level. Provinces nationwide have faced tremendous tragedies over the last five years, such as wildfires in the West, the Lac-Mégantic rail disaster and Humboldt. These disasters have increased the importance of federal policy, shared Tina Saryeddine, executive director of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs in a guest column published in the June edition of Fire Fighting in Canada.

Firefighters are routinely exposed to grisly sights and traumatic events. It’s all part of the job. But over time these experiences can take a significant toll on firefighters. Many firefighters suffer in silence because of the stoic culture that discourages them from seeking help with their own problems.The B.C. First Responders Mental Health committee is taking aim at the problem and has a campaign underway called “Share It. Don’t Wear it.” Purpose of the campaign is to raise awareness of mental health issues and encourage firefighters and other first responders to seek help.Fire Fighting in Canada editor Grant Cameron spoke with Steve Farina, a captain in the fire suppression division at Coquitlam Fire Rescue about the campaign. Steve is a member of the committee.For more information on the campaign, go to bcfirstrespondersmentalhealth.com.

MeToo allegations are serious business for any leader or organization and fire departments are not immune. Fire chiefs must be prepared to deal with such situations. Hope, B.C., Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy speaks with communications strategist Karen Gordon of Gordon Strategy about the MeToo movement and the fire service. She has spoken on the subject at a number of conferences for fire chiefs.

Mitigating one’s environmental footprint isn’t a trend – it’s the now way and it’s here to stay. There are many opportunities, big and small, for the fire service to green up their operations. Gord Schreiner, the fire chief in Comox, B.C., talks with host Tom DeSorcy, the fire chief in Hope, B.C., about a number of environmental initiatives undertaken by his department and training centre. Schreiner, who is also pens the StopBad column for Fire Fighting in Canada, shares cost and benefit details alongside an important message: green technology is good for your firefighters’ health and safety too.

Shanyn Silinski, program manager for Search and Rescue for Autism (SARA), talks with host and Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy about understanding autism and the vulnerabilities in this population so first responders can be better equipped during response, search and rescue. The SARA project offers training to actual scenarios that break down misconceptions, educate on wandering and bolting and discuss sensory supports.

The fire service is on a seemingly never-ending call. How are the volunteers doing? How will volunteer departments emerge and help heal their communities? Chris Harrow, director of fire services for the Town of Minto and Township of Wellington North in Ontario, talks about these questions and more, including recruitment, retention, and the strain of missing social connections in the volunteer fire service with Hope, B.C.’s Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy.

When it comes to comparing wildfires from the past and right now, what changed? Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy and Penticton Fire Chief Larry Watkinson share their unique past experiences of the ‘crazy world’ of wildfires, as well as how wildfire services have significantly evolved over time.

This month’s edition of Fire Fighting in Canada: The Podcast features the winners of this year’s Fire Chief of the Year awards presented by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and Fire Underwriter's Survey. The two winners, Career fire chief Bill Boyes and volunteer Fire Chief Arnold Lazare, joined host Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy for a conversation about the future of firefighting. DeSorcy captured their reactions to being the recipients of the Career and Volunteer Fire Chief of the Year awards, and Boyes and Lazare talk about the challenges of the pandemic from the perspectives of a volunteer station an urban one.

Len Garis, director of research for the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council project, shares how the NIFSC is helping fire safety for First Nations. Garis talks with Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy about the problem of insufficient data on First Nations communities and the mission to develop better research and services for Indigenous people.

Laura King, the NFPA’s public education representative for Canada, joins host Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy for a conversation about this year’s Fire Prevention Week. Running Oct. 3-9, this year’s Fire Prevention Week is called Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety and focuses on teaching the public about what the sounds made by smoke and carbon monoxide alarms means. King and DeSorcy talk about the importance of public education, NFPA’s calls-to-action and goals, as well as how the organization is working towards making Fire Prevention Week more accessible through virtual events and translations.

Tim Wilkinson, fire chief for Richmond, B.C., shares how Richmond Fire-Rescue went from mired in public controversy to actively engaging diversity and creating a welcoming workplace for all. Wilkinson talks with Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy about how the Richmond department managed gender, inclusiveness and privacy inside the firehall alongside serving and recruiting in an extraordinarily diverse community.

Adam Grant, the new fire chief for Markham Fire and Emergency Services, talks about serving the most diverse community in Ontario, the challenges for leadership in 2021 and what shifts in approach are here to stay and Canada moves through COVID-19 and beyond.

What is happening nationwide for firefighters during COVID-19? John McKearney, president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) and the fire chief in Whistler, B.C., shares his observations on fire department response during COVID-19 and how the CAFC is supporting the fire service. Tune in for this important COVID-19 update from a national perspective.

Dan Derby is the president of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia and the Regional Fire Chief for Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Rescue. He joins Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy in a discussion of the unprecedented pandemic crisis and its unique facets in emergency management. Derby and DeSorcy discuss staffing, firehall closures, PPE supplies, the role of associations in the crisis, self-care and mental health, working with the leadership of health authorities, and some of the lessons that will come of the crisis, such as critical conversations around supply chain management and dispatch protocols.

It is becoming generally accepted that firefighters face an increased risk of cancer. There are statistics to support this risk fact, and decontamination is becoming more widespread alongside technologies like cleaner cab. Presumptive cancer legislation is also expanding in various parts of Canada. What needs to be done next and what do firefighters need to know about caring for their health? Dr. Kenneth Kunz, a medical oncologist and passionate advocate for firefighter cancer care, joins Tom DeSorcy, the fire chief in Hope, B.C., for a conversation that imparts an important message for the fire service on how to protect the health of those who protect the public.

Hope, B.C., Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy speaks with Scott Wilkinson, senior academy officer in the training academy at the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) about how the department is using unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, to augment firefighting efforts. Scott provides an overview of the benefits of using drones to help incident commanders at fire scenes. He also explains how a department can get started, where to purchase equipment and the type of training that’s needed. The WFPS now has 18 trained pilots across four shifts as well as a cadre of trained visual observers to assist the pilots.

Podcast host and Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy talks with NFPA public education representative Laura King on this year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign titled, “Not every hero wears a cape: Plan and practice your escape”. The two discuss what’s new this year, some background and history on the campaign and offer valuable resources departments can use as they prepare for the 2019 Fire Prevention Week which runs from the week of Sunday, Oct. 6 to October 12.

Many in the fire service will remember a time when it didn’t feel right to openly discuss a call you were struggling with. Today, organic conversations around how firefighters feel are starting to flow. Toronto’s Fire Chief Matthew Pegg discusses the fading stigma of mental illness with host Tom DeSorcy, the fire chief in Hope, B.C. Pegg and DeSorcy discuss the impact of media coverage in the aftermath of tragedy and the growth in open conversation around occupational injury and stress. What’s the next step for the fire service and mental health? Keep the topic top of mind. Listen now to keep the conversation going.