Fire Fighting in Canada: The Podcast

Firefighter Anthony De Benedictis details his personal project, Firefighter Rescues Ontario, where he collected information from public sources to analyze rescue trends within the province. He emphasizes the importance of this data for improving training and operations. The conversation highlights the challenges and potential benefits of collecting and utilizing rescue statistics to enhance firefighter preparedness and public safety.

This episode focuses on challenges and progress within the Canadian fire service, with a particular emphasis on the unique circumstances and evolution of Indigenous fire departments. (Ret.) Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy interviews Acting Fire Chief Michael Seth, providing insights into the history, current state, and future aspirations of the Six Nations Fire and Emergency Services, while also touching on broader themes affecting fire services across Canada.

Are you prepared for the challenges of retirement? This episode of Fire Fighting in Canada: The Podcast explores the crucial topic of firefighter mental health during the transition out of service. Retirement can bring a loss of identity and purpose, disconnect from the fire service family, and a resurgence of unresolved trauma. This episode features captain Steve Farina, a leader in first responder mental health, who shares his insights from 30 years in Fire.Learn about the three phases of retirement, from pre-retirement planning to thriving in your post-service life. The podcast emphasizes the need for mentorship, succession planning and community connections for all firefighters, including volunteer and paid-on-call personnel. Don't let valuable experience and knowledge fade away; instead, create a culture of support from recruitment to retirement. Tune in to gain actionable strategies that will ensure thriving during and after service.

This podcast features an interview with Fire Chief Ken McMullen, president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, discussing current challenges facing Canadian fire services. Key topics include the increasing reliance on fire departments for medical first response, the importance of addressing first responder mental health, and the need for improved collaboration among federal, provincial, and municipal agencies during emergencies like wildfires. McMullen also highlights the CAFC's advocacy efforts, specifically pushing for a national fire administration and increased funding for emergency preparedness programs. Finally, he emphasizes the crucial role of volunteer firefighters and the need to better recognize their contributions.

On the latest edition of Fire Fighting in Canada: The Podcast, Ret. Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy is joined by Steve Fraser, the co-author of the proactive mental health awareness training program for first responders Resilient Minds and a retired captain with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services. The pair discuss the past, present and future Resilient Minds and outline how firefighters can introduce mental wellness training into their departments.

On the latest edition of Fire Fighting in Canada: The Podcast, Jason Brolund, fire chief for West Kelowna Fire Rescue, which provides services for the city of West Kelowna and Westbank First Nations, shares his experience leading the fight against 2023’s McDougall Creek wildfire, a fire chief’s “nightmare scenario.” The McDougall Creek fire was the largest wildfire in the history of West Kelowna and forced the evacuation of over 10,000 residents.  

Toronto Fire Chief Matthew Pegg and Michael Landsberg, founder of Sick Not Weak, sat down with Ret. Fire Chief Tom DeSorcy to discuss the value of talking about mental health without shame, stigma, and the return on investment when leaders open up about mental wellbeing and resiliency.