Awards and Nominations

Emergency North Training (ENT) recognizes the important contributions that individuals make each and every day toward fire and public safety. They strive to be engaging and inspiring leaders, contribute to the community in which they serve, lead by example, and positively influence others. They are dedicated and proud to serve their community.

It is only fitting that they are celebrated for their commitment, contributions, and going above and beyond. Being recognized also motivates future generations to work hard towards improving and enhancing fire and public safety.

ENT invites you to identify worthy candidates who inspire others, demonstrate initiative and innovation, and make a difference.  The Awards Ceremony will take place at the FireCon banquet . The deadline for submissions is end of day August 16th, 2024.  Please ensure you submit your nomination before the deadline. 

If you know someone who is deserving of an award, please nominate them by completing and submitting the online application.

The Pat Bourguignon Northern Fire Chief Leadership Award

Sponsored By:

The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) along with Emergency North Training (ENT) is inviting people to submit nominations for the Pat Bourguignon Northern Fire Chief Leadership Award.   Pat Bourguignon spent 34 years in Ontario’s fire service rising through the ranks to become Chief of the Schreiber Fire Department.  An exceptional leader who never backed down from a challenge, Pat was respected by all for his dedication to fire and life safety, his passion for his community, friends and family, his sense of humor, and fierce loyalty. In 2018, Pat’s life was tragically cut short while attending the 2018 OAFC Conference and Trade Show.

A Pat Bourguignon Northern Fire Chief Leadership Award nominee must be a Chief Fire Officer from Northern Ontario (municipal, NFPP, or First Nation) whose fire department falls within the geographical boundaries of OAFC PAC Zones 7, 8, 9, and 10. 

This nominee should exemplify one or more of the following criteria:

• Demonstrates exceptional leadership, commitment, and inspires those around them
• Commits to integrity, honesty, and hard work that is evident in results
• Exhibits that wearing the uniform is an honour and a genuine responsibility
• Has made a difference in the Ontario fire service
• Introduces new programs, services, and training regimes to increase public and firefighter safety
• Promotes firefighters, their successes, safety, and contributes to the betterment of their community
• Experienced in organizing local fire prevention and fire and life safety campaigns
• Advocates on issues specific to fire service delivery in Northern Ontario

Additional Factors and Criteria Considered:

• The nominee must be a Chief Fire Officer from Northern Ontario (municipal, NFPP, or First Nation)
• Self-nominations are not permitted.
• This award is based on the merit of received submissions, therefore the award may not be given out each year.

You are encouraged to submit supporting documentation with your nomination. An accurate, persuasive, and well-documented justification that provides examples of how the nominee meets one or more of the above attributes and/or criteria is an essential part of the nomination and selection processes. Each nomination will be considered independently based upon its own merit.

As this award is based on the merit of received submissions, the award may not be given out each year.  If you know someone who is deserving of this award, please complete the nomination form below.

Nomination Form

Charlie Turgeon Exemplary Service Award

Sponsored By:

Emergency North Training Incorporated, a not for profit corporation with the objectives of developing and delivering educational programs and services for the fire and emergency services in northwestern Ontario provides recognition of exemplary service to fire service training in the northwest through the Charlie Turgeon Exemplary Service Award.

The Charlie Turgeon Exemplary Service Award recognizes individuals and groups who through their actions, have provided exemplary effort to improve the fire and emergency services in northwestern Ontario.

The award is named after the late Charlie Turgeon who dedicated his time and resources to improving the training level of fire and emergency service members.

Who is eligible?

• The award is given to individuals, and groups such as organizations and associations.
• Nominees must be involved directly or in a support manner of the fire and emergency services in northwestern Ontario.
• Self-nominations are not accepted.
• Posthumous awards will be considered.

Each Nomination must include:

• A completed Nomination signed by the Nominator.

• A detailed description of the reason(s) why your nominee should receive the award. Content may include; a description of the reason(s) you feel the nominee should receive the award including; history and background, why you think the nominee has shown exemplary service, when the nominee action(s) occurred and how you know the nominee and are familiar with their activities.

• Letters of support from other individuals (2) who have direct knowledge of the value and impact of the nominees are encouraged.

• Contact information including address, telephone and email of the nominee, the nominator and any supporting individuals are required for follow up during nomination review.

• Not more than one award will be made in any one year from the nominations received.

You are encouraged to submit supporting documentation with your nomination. An accurate, persuasive, and well-documented justification that provides examples of how the nominee meets one or more of the above attributes and/or criteria is an essential part of the nomination and selection processes. Each nomination will be considered independently based upon its own merit.

As this award is based on the merit of received submissions, the award may not be given out each year.  If you know someone who is deserving of this award, please complete the nomination form below.

Nomination form

Nomination Process

How do I nominate someone?

You can nominate someone by completing and submitting the online form.

When is the Deadline?

Nominations can be made at any time during the year and will be accepted up to end of day on August 16

How are recipients selected?

A Selection Committee (3 members) appointed by the Board of Emergency North Training Inc. reviews applications received by the deadline and makes recommendations to the ENT Board regarding the award.

When will the awards be presented?

The Awards Ceremony will take place at FireCon at the Valhalla Hotel and Conference Centre in Thunder Bay, Ontario on September 7. The ceremony will be in conjunction with the banquet event. 

For questions regarding the awards, contact Katelyn Widdop, Events and Marketing Manager at katelyn.widdop@oafc.on.ca