Currently, I am the Deputy Fire Chief of the Woodstock Fire Department, and my career has been progressively advancing toward this pivotal role. Beginning in 1995 with The Pas Manitoba Fire Department as both firefighter and medic, my dual responsibilities underscored the criticality of embedding safety into every facet of emergency service.
During my 19-year tenure with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services (MFES), I held several key roles, including Division Chief – Operations and Communications, Division Chief – Professional Development and Accreditation, Training Officer, and Company Officer. My efforts were dedicated to developing robust safety protocols and training programs that integrate real-world fire ground safety and situational awareness, thereby minimizing operational risks.
Earning my Safety Officer accreditation through the Fire Department Safety Officers Association (FDSOA) enabled the implementation of cutting-edge safety strategies into both training and emergency response operations. In my role on the board of the FDSOA, I have expanded my influence by teaching across North America and developing new curriculum, advocating for safety practices that align with contemporary fire service demands.
My philosophy is that safety should complement, not hinder, fast-moving tactics; safety measures are essential to enable calculated approaches that maximize our effectiveness while ensuring the safety of all personnel involved.