Friday Session Options

 

During registration attendees will pick their top 3 session choices. Once registrations are fully complete, OAFC staff will assign you to your workshops and will send you a confirmation in November. 

Session 1 - Fire Safety in Outdoor Living and Encampments 

Many communities are experiencing encampments or outdoor living where unhoused/unsheltered individuals are living. These encampments come with a variety of fire safety challenges, and the legislation and regulations governing them are complicated and continually evolving. This session will explore fire safety options that fire departments can utilize and provide case studies of how various fire departments are currently managing this issue.

Presenters:

Acting Fire Chief Larry Cocco, Toronto Fire Services

Acting Fire Chief Larry Cocco, Toronto Fire Services (TFS), manages the Community Risk Reduction (CRR) Division that is responsible for Fire Inspections and Enforcement, Fire Investigations, Public Education and Fire Protection Engineering within the City of Toronto; servicing more than three million residents, commuters and tourists. As part of the largest Canadian fire service, CRR conducts comprehensive inspections and investigations to analyze the unique characteristics of metropolitan community risks, utilizing evidence-based findings to develop optimal methods for risk management, formulate modernised public education, and consistently improve inspection and enforcement strategies. Larry has extensive experience in managing major fire incident investigations, as well as specializing in fire safety inspections and enforcement of the Ontario Fire Code.

 

Division Chief Chantelle Cosgrove, Brampton Fire & Emergency Services

Chantelle Cosgrove has been in the fire service for 26 years with Brampton Fire and Emergency Services, focusing on fire prevention. She was promoted to the role of Division Chief of Fire Prevention in 2021.   Her expertise has also been shared in an academic setting, where for 23 years, she has molded future professionals as an instructor for the Fire Protection Technology Program at Seneca College.  Further contributing to the field, she was an active member of the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association for a decade, serving as President for the last four years of her term. Chantelle has spent her entire career dedicated to fire safety and education in the community that she grew up in, and continues to serve as an influential leader in the fire prevention community.

 

 

Deputy Chief Andrea DeJong, St. Catharines Fire Services

Andrea is a member of the OAFC Board of Directors. She has been a member of the OAFC Fire Prevention and Public Education Committee for 9 years, and currently serves as the Chair. Andrea also serves as the Board Alternate for the Communications Committee, and has been a member of that committee and the NG911 working group since 2018.

She is a Deputy Chief with St. Catharines Fire Service, and also an Associate Instructor for the Fire Prevention program with the Fire College for 16 years.

 

Deputy Chief Sam Williams, Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services

A dynamic and customer service-oriented professional with 20 years of progressive experience in composite and career fire services, Samuel Williams is a proactive leader dedicated to promoting community safety. As Deputy Chief, Samuel spearheads the development and implementation of innovative fire prevention and risk reduction strategies, including addressing the unique challenges posed by homeless encampments.

Samuel's extensive background in fire prevention, code enforcement, and emergency response, coupled with his commitment to data-driven decision-making, enables him to develop effective solutions that mitigate risks and protect vulnerable populations. Samuel is passionate about community engagement and collaboration, recognizing the importance of working with diverse stakeholders to create sustainable solutions. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Public Safety from The University of Guelph-Humber, a certificate in Public Administration and Governance from Toronto Metropolitan University and Statement of Professional Learning in Fire Scene Administration from Laurentian University.

 

Session 2 - Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention

Organization Culture By Design: Building a volunteer organization where continuous improvement is the status quo.

Presenters:

Fire Chief Jay Plato, Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire & Emergency Services

Jay Plato currently serves as the Fire Chief and Director of Municipal Enforcement for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. Prior to his appointment as Fire Chief, Jay held several key positions within the Town, including Deputy Chief, Fire Prevention Officer, and Building Inspector. Additionally, Jay served as a volunteer firefighter for the Town. Before transitioning to the municipal sector, Jay gained valuable transferable experience in the private sector, working within the architectural and construction management sector.

Jay was the recipient of the 2023 OAFC Volunteer Firefighter Recruitment and Retention Award and was identified as one of The Peak’s Emerging Leaders shaping Canada’s Economy, Culture and Society in 2024. As a dedicated advocate for continuous improvement, Jay actively pursues further education through reading, lived experiences, and post-secondary studies. He holds numerous NFPA certifications and has earned diplomas and certificates from Mohawk College and Humber College.

 

Fire Chief Nick Ruller, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services 

Nick Ruller currently serves as the Fire Chief with the City of Brampton. Previously, Nick has held roles as Platoon Chief with Brampton, Fire Chief and Deputy Chief with the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, Firefighter with Toronto Fire Services, and currently serves as a Volunteer Firefighter with Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire & Emergency Services.

A lifelong learner, Nick has completed a Master of Arts in Leadership through the University of Guelph, a Graduate Certificate from the University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill in Community Preparedness and Disaster Management, and is also a graduate of Ryerson University's Public Administration Program. More recently, Nick also completed a Certificate in Diversity & Inclusion through Cornell University.

 

Session 3 - The Science Behind High-Rise Operations

This presentation aims to update the fire service on new equipment and tactics required for fighting fires in high-rise buildings. With the increasing construction of high-rise buildings worldwide, including mixed-use, podium-based towers, and timber frame construction, there is a need to update tactics and training methods. Although there is no definitive solution for tackling EV car fires, we have a strategy for addressing them in underground parking lots. Cities struggle to find firefighting solutions for catastrophic failures, exterior cladding, and EV fires. However, we have plans in place to address these challenges.

Presenter: Brent Brooks 

Brent Brooks is an international speaker and hands-on instructor who teaches high-rise tactics and large-diameter hose movements. With 30 years of experience, he currently serves as an Acting District Chief with Toronto Fire Services and is assigned to Toronto’s High-Rise Unit. Brent has developed the IMS, training, and R&D for High-Rise Operations and has extensive experience serving on numerous committees related to high-rise firefighting globally.

Brent has spoken at various global conferences, such as FDIC 2024, HROC, Intersec, FireX, and CTBUH. He regularly contributes to Fire Engineering's Hump Day Hang-out. He is actively involved in the Council of the Canadian chapter of the Institution of Fire Engineers and the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in Chicago. He continues to participate in the Fire and Life Safety Directors Conference in New York City, where he shares his perspective on firefighting command. Additionally, as a London T70 Tall Building Safety Committee member, Brent contributes to developing safety guidelines for tall buildings.

Brent continues to travel the world, attending conferences, symposiums, and hands-on training. He has spoken on complex building systems and is a proud retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces.

 

Session 4 - Understanding Technical Rescue Standards 

The certification deadline for NFPA 1006 Technical Rescue is less than four years away and as training and testing materials become available, fire departments have many questions. This session will review NFPA Standards (1006 & 1670) related to technical rescue disciplines, discuss technical rescue level of service and explore technical rescue training and testing options. The session will be facilitated by the Large Urban Technical Rescue Working Group and include OFM staff who will provide an update on the current status of technical rescue training and testing.

Presenters:

Manager of Academic Standards & Evaluations Melanie Arsenault, Office of the Fire Marshal

Melanie started her career in 2005 with Field and Advisory Services (FAS), as a Program Specialist. Melanie was afforded the opportunity to participate and lead several important initiatives, including Master Fire Plans, advisory committees, special projects and the development of Communiqués. As a lead in the Master Fire Plan process, Melanie assisted with the development of detailed written reports, and presented to Mayor and Council recommendations based on identified risks and the needs and circumstances of the municipality to ensure compliance with provincial and municipal legislative requirements.

In 2015, Melanie began to assist and support the Academic Standards & Evaluations Unit, as a Program Specialist. In her role, Melanie has supported and advised the AS&E Manager on all projects, emerging issues, policy development, chairing stakeholder meetings, and developing briefing and issue notes. Melanie has been the Manager of Academic Standards and Evaluation since September 2020 and has been focused on assisting fire department with achieve their certification goals by implementing eTesting, changing the delivery of examination results and certificates, and working on improving communication and policies.  

Melanie has a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Acadia University and a Masters of Arts (Honours) in Political Science from McMaster University. Outside of work, Melanie spends most of her time with her family and two dogs.

With nineteen years of experience within the Office of the Fire Marshal, Melanie has established a reputation with peers in both the Fire Service and OFM, as an individual capable of leading the development, implementation, enhancement and oversight of projects that have been assigned.

 

Deputy Chief Drew Boys, Burlington Fire Department

Deputy Chief Drew Boys has over 20 years of experience in the fire service, beginning his career as a firefighter in the Town of Caledon. He has progressed through various roles, including two Division Chief positions with Brampton Fire, Deputy Chief with Oakville Fire, and currently, Deputy Chief with Burlington Fire.

In addition to his primary duties, Deputy Chief Boys actively participates in several committees, including the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Technical Rescue Group, Public Safety Broadband Network Innovation Alliance, and the Humber College PAC.

He holds a Business Administration Certificate from York University and has recently earned the Ontario Municipal Management Institute Level III certificate.

At Burlington Fire, he oversees the Communications Division, Maintenance Division, Critical Infrastructure, and mission-critical technology. He is a key stakeholder for the MPDS project in Halton Region and is leading the modernization of both the primary and backup Fire Communication Centres to achieve NG-911 compliance by 2025.

 

Deputy Chief Rob Grimwood, Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services

Rob Grimwood is a Deputy Chief with the City of Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services where he oversees the Professional Development & Accreditation and Communications Divisions, along with serving as the Management Co-Chair for the Joint Health & Safety Committee.

Formerly Rob was the Deputy Chief of Training, Safety, & Special Operations for the City of Vaughan Fire & Rescue Service and the Fire Chief in the City of Dryden, Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake, and Haldimand County. He has also served as a Firefighter with the City of Toronto.

He worked as a Paramedic for 20 years and spent nine years as the Paramedic Chief in Haldimand County.

He has been a member of the fire service for the past 28 years, the last 16 of which have been in various senior leadership positions. He is the President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC), Management Co-chair of the Ontario Fire Services Section 21 Committee and an instructor for Dalhousie University’s Fire Service Management Program.

 

Deputy Fire Marshal John McBeth, Office of the Fire Marshal

John McBeth has over 23 years of experience with the Ministry of the Solicitor General.  As Deputy Fire Marshal, Training, Certification and Public Education, he is responsible for overseeing the development and delivery of fire protection public and stakeholder education programs and campaigns.  He also directs and oversees the development of effective province-wide training and education programs and evaluation systems for persons involved in the provision of fire protection services.