FireWise Consulting & Learning Academy
FireWise Consulting Welcomes Richie Turley as New Director

FireWise Consulting Welcomes Richie Turley as New Director

FireWise Consulting is entering an exciting new chapter. We are proud to announce the appointment of our new Director, Richie Turley. This leadership transition marks an important step forward in our growth and our long-term commitment to fire and life safety.

This change honours FireWise’s roots while positioning the company for the future. FireWise Consulting was founded in 2008, with Richie’s father, Bob Turley, as a founding partner. From the beginning, the company was built on deep fire-service knowledge, strong relationships, and a commitment to superior customer experience. As Bob shifts his focus toward retirement, this transition ensures that those values continue.

For Richie, stepping into this role is both personal and professional.

“This company reflects my dad’s passion for the fire service and his commitment to doing things the right way,” Richie shared. “I’m excited to carry those traditions forward and help FireWise continue to grow.”

Meet Richie Turley

While new to fire safety as a profession, Richie Turley brings a strong business and leadership background to FireWise from his extensive career in commercial banking. For many years, he worked closely with local businesses, helping them access financing. That role provided firsthand insight into how critical strong processes and clear data are to long-term success.

Richie has worked alongside FireWise CEO Ernie Polsom for more than five years and has deep respect for his collaborative leadership and commitment to the fire service. That shared experience has helped shape a strong working relationship built on trust and alignment. Both leaders share a commitment to the beneficial corporation movement, which is formally embedded in FireWise’s articles of incorporation.

In his role at FireWise, Richie will help strengthen how programs are delivered and supported. Technology will play a larger role in curriculum development, course functionality, and learner experience, ensuring FireWise continues to offer accessible, cost-effective online training while expanding its reach.

For Richie, this role marks an important next chapter.

“It’s a meaningful opportunity to continue my dad’s work and take on entrepreneurship in a way that aligns with my values.”

What This Means for Fire Services

This transition brings stability and a clear, growth-focused strategy. Most importantly, FireWise remains focused on creating winning conditions for fire departments: helping stretch training budgets, reduce time away from shifts, and standardize competencies across teams.

As Richie puts it, “Our goal is to create real value for our customers. Training should be accessible, engaging, and informative, while our advisory services must deliver practical, effective solutions. By working together and removing barriers, we can maintain a strong customer experience.”

In Closing

FireWise Consulting remains fully committed to delivering high-quality training and consulting services. Our subject matter experts continue to develop new courses for the FireWise Learning Academy. Our student services team supports learners every step of the way, and our consultants remain actively engaged with stakeholders across North America.

This new chapter strengthens our foundation so we can continue doing what matters most: helping fire safety professionals protect people, property, and communities.

Thank you to our clients, partners, and the fire service community for your continued trust. If you have questions about this transition or upcoming work, our team is always happy to connect. We look forward to continuing our work together.

 

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https://www.iaff.org/news/states-reconsider-single-exit-apartment-buildings-amid-fire-service-warnings/

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https://www.thesafetymag.com/ca/news/general/bc-expands-cancer-coverage-for-firefighters/547332

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https://www.governing.com/policy/building-and-fire-safety-codes-save-lives-why-are-states-weakening-them

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https://www.technologyreview.com/2026/03/03/1133848/this-startup-claims-it-can-stop-lightning-and-prevent-catastrophic-wildfires/

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https://www.ctvnews.ca/vancouver/article/ubc-study-highlights-how-wildfires-could-affect-drinking-water-across-bc/