Course Description:

Lead the change. Support your team. Build a resilient department.

This comprehensive two-day training track is tailored for fire service leaders, officers, and personnel who are committed to fostering mental health resilience within their organizations. In a field where high-stress situations are part of daily operations, understanding and supporting mental health is not just important—it’s essential.

Participants will explore the foundational components of a successful Fire Department Mental Health Program, including Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), suicide awareness and prevention strategies, and the crucial steps involved in recognizing when and how to refer a colleague to a higher level of care. The course also addresses the often complex process of navigating WSIB (Workplace Safety and Insurance Board) claims, offering guidance and best practices to support members through injury or trauma-related time away from work.

Through interactive roundtable discussions, case study analysis, and peer-to-peer learning, attendees will gain practical tools and resources to develop or enhance mental health programs tailored to their department's size, structure, and needs. Sample program templates and implementation guides will be provided to help participants leave with actionable insights and a clear roadmap toward building a more supportive and resilient organizational culture.

Whether your department is in the early stages of mental health planning or looking to strengthen existing initiatives, this track offers valuable leadership-level training to ensure your team is equipped to meet the evolving mental health needs of today’s fire service professionals.

What You’ll Learn

Participants will dive into the core components of a comprehensive Fire Department Mental Health Program, including:

• Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM)
• Suicide Awareness and Prevention
• Recognizing When and How to Refer to Higher Levels of Care
• Navigating WSIB Claims and Mental Health-Related Absences

This course also emphasizes leadership communication skills, stigma reduction, and creating a culture of psychological safety in the fire service.

Interactive Format

This isn’t a lecture—it’s a collaborative experience. Attendees will:

• Take part in roundtable discussions with peers
• Review and discuss sample mental health programs and templates
• Work through real-world scenarios and case studies
• Leave with a personalized action plan to build or enhance their department’s mental health program

Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining an existing initiative, this track is designed to meet you where you are.

Why Attend?

Firefighters face unique mental health challenges—and departments of all sizes need leaders ready to respond. This course will help you:

• Champion mental health in your department
• Understand the administrative and human side of mental health care
• Foster resilience and support long-term wellness across your team

Deadline to Register:  August 29th

Pre-Requisites:

There are no prerequisites for this course.

2 Day Package: $500.00 HST

Inclusions:

• Conference September 12 - 13
• Breakfast, lunch & coffee breaks September 12 -13
• Receptions on the Trade Show Floor September 11 and 12
• FireCon Banquet September 13
• Trade Show access

You will need to book your own hotel accommodations.

Course Location:

Valhalla Hotel and Conference Centre (1 Valhalla Inn Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7E 6J1) - Fireside Room (1st Floor)

This Track is Sponsored By: