First Annual Western Canada Emergency Services Leadership Conference
The First Annual Western Canada Emergency Services Leadership Conference took place in Leduc Alberta on October 4th and 5th. Four dynamic speakers brought the conference theme, "Building Better Organizations", to life.
Chief Kelvin Cochrane of the Atlanta Fire Service talked about "Surviving and Thriving in Tough Economic Times". He shared his thoughts on dealing with enormous financial challenges that led to a major re-organization of the Atlanta fire department, including closing a fire hall, laying off and demoting staff, and removing apparatus from service while trying to maintain service to the public and morale within the department.
Paul Patterson, Director of Community and Public Affairs for the Vancouver Police Department, spoke about "Getting Your Message Out" and "Cutting Edge Tactics for Effective Communication". In a thought provoking and humorous way Paul highlighted the need for every organization, regardless of size, to have a communications plan that allows it to control the messages about their department. He shared information about some of the most successful campaigns VPD has initiated.
Deputy Chief Paul LeSage gave an energetic presentation on "Building a High Reliability Organization (HRO) and The Role of a Just Culture". Through real life examples and personal experience Paul shared his vision about the need to learn from past experiences and encourage every team member to take responsibility for the group. The IC cannot be the only one concerned about situation awareness.
Gordon Graham, one of the most popular speakers at emergency service conferences around North America, gave a spirited and humorous presentation on Organizational Risk Management that left the crowd wanting more
The conference was facilitated by FireWise Consulting in association with the City of Leduc Fire Services with major sponsorship from FireFighting in Canada. TST Canada and ColdFire Canada were corporate sponsors.
Some feedback from participants:
"I did not know what to expect and was extremely pleased at the consistently high level of the speakers. The topics were timely and presented by people "in the know" that grabbed your attention, and kept it. I will certainly be attending the next one, and will encourage other staff to attend as well." - Fire Chief Bob Gates, Beaumont Alberta
"I have opportunity to attend several high profile conference/seminar presentations around North America and this was one of the best as far as subject matter, quality of speaker and format goes! Congratulations to the sponsors and organizers of the 1st Annual Leadership Conference! You've set the bar very high and I look forward to attending your next Leadership Conference". - Fire Chief Ken Block, City of Edmonton
"Each of the four presenters could have spoken all day long, I'm just glad that I had the time that I did with these gentlemen. This was an incredible learning event and everyone who can attend this event next year, should!" - Douglas Britton, President, IAFF Local 4739, Leduc, Alberta
"I found the first Annual Western Canada Leadership Conference to be very beneficial. The speakers were dynamic and passionate about the fire service. The topics addressed brought to light some of the current challenges we are all facing, career, part-time, paid on call and volunteer. I was able to take away many ideas and strategies that I hope to implement within the Sturgeon County Emergency Services." - Pat Mahoney, Fire Chief/Manager Protective Services, Sturgeon County
FireWise Consulting Ltd. is already busy planning for next year's program, which will again receive major sponsorship from FireFighting in Canada.
