Saturday March 29 - Main Track Information

 

Risk Assessment to Risk Reduction: Strategies to Implementing Your CRA

A Community Risk Assessment is the primary tool to assess local hazards to department capacity. The next step is the creation of a Community Risk Reduction Plan. Those can come in a variety of forms from strategic plans to master fire plans. This session will identify the key concepts in moving identified risks to manageable solutions.

Speaker: Fire Chief Jeremy Parkin

Jeremy Parkin is the Director of Emergency Services for Rama First Nation where he oversees fire & paramedic services and emergency management. His 25-year career includes volunteer firefighter experience with several departments. Jeremy has been an active member in various local, provincial and federal boards and committees. As the Vice President of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs he is a strong voice for public and firefighter safety. With a background in training and certification, he now dedicates his attention to diversity, equity and inclusivity within the fire service. He also has extensive work in emergency management programs and training. Throughout his career he has been an advocate for First Nations fire safety and has collaborated with a variety of organizations. Jeremy has also worked in the private sector as a fire service consultant assisting municipalities with master fire planning.

 

Alternative Streams of Funding Panel

Shared Service Agreement/Alternate Funding is a formal arrangement between two or more municipalities, agencies, or organizations to share resources and responsibilities related to fire protection and emergency services. These agreements are designed to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance public safety by pooling resources such as personnel, equipment, and facilities.

The panelists will discuss their experiences with shared service agreements and alternative funding options.

Speakers: Fire Chief Will Bateman, Township of Nipissing Fire Department, Fire Chief Chris Harrow, Minto/Wellington North/Mapleton Fire, and Fire Chief Gary Monahan, Huntsville/Lake of Bays Fire Department

 

Utilizing Learning Contracts in your Department

This session will provide a comprehensive overview of the learning contract process start to finish, detailing the step-by-step process to utilize in-house capacity and the Ontario Fire College program material to deliver training to your team. The session will discuss the expectations associated with learning contracts, including timelines, required resources, documentation, and adherence to the proposed schedule, and instructor requirements. Additionally, the session will address common misconceptions about learning contracts, clarifying their purpose and benefits. This is a valuable opportunity for attendees to gain a deeper understanding of how learning contracts can support departmental training goals.

Speaker: Deanna Kirwin, Academic Manager, Ontario Fire College

Deanna Kirwin is part of the Training and Certification branch of the OFM and holds the role of Academic Manager of the Ontario Fire College (OFC). In her role, she supports the instructor and registrar team to schedule and deliver firefighter training across the province. She brings a strong educational foundation to her work as well as an understanding of fire service training needs through her former roles as Fire Chief, Training Officer, and OFC Adjunct Instructor. Her enthusiasm for training and education is evident in her hands-on approach, her commitment to empowering others, and her support for her students and colleagues which underscores her dedication to advancing fire service education.

 

Culture by Design: Growing a Volunteer Organization

Chief Plato and Chief Ruller will review a case study of the Niagara-on-the-Lake Fire & Emergency Services, which has experienced significant positive outcomes. Under the leadership of the then-Chief and Deputy Chief, the department successfully navigated challenges in retaining and recruiting volunteer firefighters, not unlike those experienced across the province. Their efforts resulted in remarkable growth while focusing on enhancing the department’s culture.

Speakers: 

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.