Fire Service Women Ontario Annual Training Symposium

November 7 - 9, 2024
Hosted by: Hamilton Fire Department

Every year FSWO holds a Training Symposium in a different city. Not only do we offer many different in-class sessions and HOT practical training sessions, there are many opportunities to meet and connect with others from all over Canada and the United States. We welcome members of the fire service from all divisions some of which include suppression, fire prevention, communications, training, and fire program students.

What is Fire Service Women Ontario?

Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO) was created in 2009 (incorporated in 2011) as a not-for-profit organization to operate an apprentice program for young women between the ages of 15 and 19. The program links young women with those working in the fire service, professional associations and educational institutions and is named Camp FFIT (Female Firefighters in Training). 

FSWO also runs a paired mentoring program which is designed to connect firefighters (FSWO members in good standing) with women in the fire service, who are looking to connect with other firefighters, or those who are in the recruitment process or who are just beginning their fire service journey. 

With the overwhelming success of the award winning Camp FFIT program, and the demand for this type of offering across Ontario, more apprentice programs were adopted. Through the provincially funded School-College-Work initiative, Girls in Gear at Lambton College and Women in Uniform at Algonquin College were created and supported, in part, by FSWO Board members.

As a member driven organization, FSWO depends on guidance from its membership and fire service partners to determine the needs of gender equality in the fire service across Ontario. Much of this work is done directly at the annual symposium and AGM held in the fall.  The symposium is currently the main focus of our organization, offering HOT (Hands On Training) classes, educational and learning sessions and offering women in the fire service invaluable networking opportunities.

Mission Statement -- The mission of FSWO is to encourage, educate and empower women in the fire service in Ontario.

Vision -- Gender equity is the norm – not the exception!

Values -- We believe…

• We are accountable in advocating for a gender equitable workforce.
• Collaboration and camaraderie are keys to our success; creating shared commitment to a common purpose and supporting a culture of warmth and belonging.
• Inclusion matters: We embrace diverse perspectives, ideas and experiences.
• We have a role to play in fostering supportive professional networks and personal relationships amongst women.

When each of us lives these values, we are deserving of trust and respect, fulfill our mission with integrity, and move closer to achieving our vision.

To learn more about us visit www.fswo.ca