International Conference for Fire & Rescue Executives 2011

Leadership on the Edge of Reason

May 29 to June 31, 2011
Toronto, ON, Canada

 

Participants Included

Antwerp City and Port Fire and Rescue Service, Belgium Austin Fire Department Barrie Fire & Emergency Services Bradford West Gwilimbury Fire & Emergency Services Brandon Fire & Emergency Services Broward County Sheriff Fire Rescue Buffalo Fire Department Calgary Fire Department Cambridge Fire Department Central York Fire Services City of Edmonton Fire Rescue Services City of Gatineau Fire Department City of Port Moody Fire-Rescue Davies Park Detroit Fire Department District of Maple Ridge Fire Department District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services Dublin Fire Brigade, Ireland Engineering Support Services Government of Ontario Grand Falls-Windsor Fire Department Hamilton Emergency Services Mississauga Fire & Emergency Services Moncton Fire Department Moose Jaw Fire Department New Westminister Fire and Rescue Services

North Bay Fire & Emergency Services North Vancouver City Fire Department Nupla Corporation Office of the Fire Marshal Ontario Fire College Orillia Fire Department Prince Albert Fire Department Red Deer Emergency Services Regina Fire & Protective Services Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services Sannich Fire Department Sarnia Fire Rescue Services Seattle Fire Department St. John's Regional Fire Department Strathmore Fire Department Swift Current Fire Department Toronto Fire Services Township of Langley Fire Department Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services Vaughan Fire & Rescue Service, City of Vaughn Victoria Fire Department View Royal Fire Rescue Waterloo Fire Rescue Whitby Fire & Emergency Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Woodstock Fire Department

Some Comments from our Delegates

• “Well done, enjoyed all speakers.” Vaughan Fire Service
• “Very informative, great presenters!” Township of Langley Fire Department
• “Very worthwhile, generally very good topics, good networking opportunities.” Red Deer Emergency Services department
• “Great conference, great organizations, great location, job well done, outstanding job!” CFM Kingston Fire Prevention Office
• "Overall an excellent tow days. This is my first year and look and look forward to next year.” North Bay Fire & Emergency Services
   

2011 Guest Speakers

Note: Speakers are in alphabetical order

Chris Addiers

Chief Fire Officer 
Antwerp City and Port Fire and Rescue Service

Lieutenant Colonel Addiers has been the Chief Fire Officer of the Antwerp City and Port Fire and Rescue Service since May 2002. He was previously a member of the staff of the Antwerp FRS.

From 1999 to 2001, he was appointed as liaison officer for the Belgian Fire Services in the cabinet of the Minister of Home Affairs. Lieutenant Colonel Addiers started his career in the Antwerp City and Port Fire and Rescue Service as a Fire Prevention Officer in 1979. In 1988, he moved to the operational service as a Divisional Officer. After 13 years as Divisional Officer, he became Divisional Commander before being appointed as Chief Fire Officer in 2002.

The Antwerp City and Port Fire and Rescue Service protects Antwerp, a world scale port facility and the second largest petrochemical cluster in the world. The Antwerp FRS employs approximately 800 staff of which 730 are operational firefighters, dispatchers and officers.

 

Patrick R. Burke

Fire Marshal (Retired)
Government of Ontario

Mr. Burke was the Fire Marshal of Ontario from December 2006 to November 2010. His career in community safety spans well over 30 years. Mr. Burke was appointed Fire Chief of Niagara Falls in 2002. He coordinated all activities of the fire services including fire fighting, fire prevention, communications and training.

Mr. Burke joined the Windsor Fire Department in January 1968 where he worked his way up through the ranks as a Firefighter, Lieutenant, Acting Captain and Deputy Fire Chief. From 1994 to 2002, Mr. Burke served as the Deputy Fire Chief of the Windsor Fire Department From 1986 to 1990, while still a full-time Firefighter, Mr. Burke pursued a law degree at the University of Windsor and was called to the bar in 1992.

During his career, Mr. Burke has served as a Director with the Ontario Municipal Employees Retirement System Board, member of the Urban Fire Services Committee of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and a member of the Provincial Emergency Management Advisory Committee.

 

W. Bruce Burrell

Fire Chief, Calgary Fire Department
Past President, Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs

Since joining the Calgary Fire Department in August 2005, Chief Burrell has remained committed to the Department's vision that it will become "the international fire service leader." He has expanded the fire service to meet the needs of a rapidly growing city through the addition of new stations, staff and fire emergency vehicles.

Chief Burrell has worked to broaden the fire department's public contacts through fire-prevention and injury-prevention initiatives. His goal is for the Department to reach one in ten Calgarians annually through non-emergency initiatives. In 2009, those programs touched one in eleven residents. Chief Burrell has also implemented a career-development staff training program for firefighters. Training has increased for firefighters in stations and for recruits.

Chief Burrell oversees a management team of nine Deputy Chiefs, one of whom has the primary responsibility for overseeing the day to day activities of the Calgary Emergency Management Agency, and a staff of approximately 1,550 fire department employees. Prior to joining the Calgary Fire Department, Chief Burrell was a Deputy Chief with the Halifax Fire Department.

 

Mohamed Doma

Senior Partner
Canadian Professional Management Services

Mr. Doma has worked extensively with uniformed service organizations that have required his expertise, diplomacy, knowledge and expert counsel in such areas as strategic planning, contract negotiations, labour relations and executive coaching.

As a skilled and motivating speaker, Mr. Doma is frequently requested to facilitate executive leadership programs to international audiences. Locally, Mr. Doma developed and facilitated a series of leadership programs to the Foothills Regional Emergency Medical Services, Canadian Association of Police Boards, and the Vancouver Police Department to name a few.

In addition, as a strategic mediator, Mr. Doma has facilitated complex discussions regarding: provincial bargaining associations for all fire jurisdictions, the Police Complaints process, and by order in council, the integration amongst south Vancouver Island police departments. Other uniformed service experience includes the development of a five-year strategic plan for the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police, the integration of the Organized Crime Agency of B.C. with the RCMP and a strategic planning model for the South Coast British Columbia Transportation Authority Police Service.

 

Mike Kerr

Partner
Davies Park

As a partner with Davies Park since 2000, Mr. Kerr is responsible for running the Calgary business. Mr. Kerr is in charge of business development, client management and full execution of the search process.

Mr. Kerr's combination of credentials, experience and personal characteristics make him uniquely qualified to conduct executive search. He is an experienced CMA who takes a big‑picture view of business and executive leadership. He has a gift for building relationships—both with the business leaders he serves and the executives he recruits on their behalf.

Mr. Kerr has led search assignments for executive and senior professionals in industries including energy, power, pipelines, manufacturing, high technology, retail, and real estate, as well as the public sector (including municipal and post-secondary). He also enjoys working with the non-profit sector, where his ongoing volunteer work with several organizations has kept him busy over the past 25 years.

 

Rhoda Mae Kerr

Fire Chief
Austin Fire Department

Chief Kerr is a fourth-generation firefighter with 26 years experience in the field. She is currently the Fire Chief of the Austin Fire Department and most recently served in that same position with the city of Little Rock, Arkansas. In addition, she was the Assistant Fire Chief at Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

Chief Kerr earned a Masters Degree in Public Administration, Bachelor of Arts Degree in Physical Education and Health, an Associate's Degree in Fire Science Technology and a certification from Harvard University's Senior Executives in State and Local Government program. Prior to entering the fire service, Chief Kerr was a coach and physical education teacher at the high school level for 12 years.

Chief Kerr heads the Human Relations Committee of the International Association of Fire Chiefs and is Southwest Director of the National Society of Executive Fire Officers. She is also a member of the Texas Fire Chief's Association and the Capital Area Fire Chief's Association.

 

Todd J. LeDuc

Assistant Fire Chief
Broward County Sheriff Fire Rescue

Assistant Chief LeDuc joined Broward County Sheriff Fire Rescue, a 600 person career accredited fire department in greater Ft. Lauderdale, in 1990. Broward County Sheriff Fire Rescue provides fire and rescue services to 1.8 million residents with an international airport/seaport, and special operations.

The department provides fire suppression, fire protection, emergency medical services and educational programs for most unincorporated areas of Broward County.

Assistant Chief LeDuc has served in the roles of Operations Chief, EMS Chief, and currently is assigned to overseeing accreditation and professional standards. Assistant Chief LeDuc has also performed strategic and master plans, department evaluations, communication review and consolidation studies in over a dozen States. He is on the board of a dozen public safety journals and lectures frequently on leadership, culture change, and safety within the fire service.

 

James W. Mack, Jr.

Executive Fire Commissioner (Retired)
Detroit Fire Department

Commissioner Mack (Ret'd) was the Executive Fire Commissioner for the City of Detroit from September 2009 to January 2011.

He is a 30-year veteran of the Detroit Fire Department. Prior to his appointment as Executive Fire Commissioner, he served as 2nd Deputy Fire Commissioner for seven years.

Commissioner Mack was appointed based on the experience and leadership skills needed to keep Detroit citizens and the city safe.

Commissioner Mack joined the Detroit Fire Department in 1978, achieving the rank of Sergeant in 1999 and Lieutenant in 2004. He was appointed 2nd Deputy Fire Commissioner in 2002.

Commissioner Mack attended Eastern Michigan University's School of Fire Staff and Command. He served as a fire and rescue instructor for Michigan State University.

 

Vince Mackenzie

Fire Chief, Grand Falls-Windsor Fire Department
President, Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services
2nd Vice President, Maritime Fire Chiefs Association

Chief Mackenzie is a 28-year fire service veteran. He was appointed full-time Fire Chief of the Grand Falls-Windsor Fire Department in 2002. The Grand Falls‑Windsor Fire Department is a composite fire department, servicing a municipality with a population of approximately 15,000 residents.

Chief Mackenzie is currently the President of the Newfoundland and Labrador Association of Fire Services and is actively engaged in lobbying government to better the interests of the fire service in general. He is also a 2nd Vice President of the Maritime Fire Chiefs Association. Chief Mackenzie contributes on the national board of directors with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, and is a director of the annual FDIC Atlantic training conference. Coming up through the ranks, he has gained great insight into the importance of building strong partnerships to benefit the fire service. Chief Mackenzie developed and instructs a fire department administration seminar in the Newfoundland and Labrador and has vast experience in developing relationships between the fire service and governments at various levels, non-government agencies, the public, and other fire service organizations and partnerships.

 

John McKearney

Fire Chief
Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services

Chief McKearney joined Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services in 1980 and served in several divisions including as Deputy Chief Emergency Services, for five years. Chief McKearney was appointed Fire Chief by Mayor and Council in July 2009. He brings a strong record of achievement, leadership and commitment, with over 30 years of experience.

In addition to his fire service career, Chief McKearney has been very involved with the community and other professional activities. He is a leader with the United Way Cabinet and is involved with the Fire Chiefs' Association of British Columbia and the Office of the Fire Commissioner's Diversity Committee. Chief McKearney has obtained a Master's Degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University and Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

As the Chief Officer, his vision is to lead the Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services as a collective of public safety practitioners serving our communities with excellence as responders, educators and fire safety inspectors.

 

Robert Simonds

Fire Chief, Saint John Fire Department
President, Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs

Chief Simonds is the Fire Chief of the Saint John Fire Department and is presently President of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

Chief Simonds is the Past President of the New Brunswick Association of Fire Chiefs and a Past President of the Maritime Fire Chiefs Association.

As a 29-year veteran of the fire service, Chief Simonds earned a Masters Degree in Leadership and Training from Royal Roads University and a Chief Fire Officers professional designation from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

Chief Simonds has also completed advanced incident command training at the United States National Fire Academy and special operations training at Texas A&M University.

 

William A. Stewart

Fire Chief
Toronto Fire Services

Chief Stewart was appointed Chief of the Toronto Fire Services in May 2003. Chief Stewart is a 38-year fire service veteran having served in the former City of North York Fire Department for 26 years prior to the amalgamation of the new City of Toronto on January 1, 1998. Chief Stewart has served as an operations firefighter, Captain, Administration Chief, Assistant Deputy and Deputy Chief.

Chief Stewart served as a member of the Ontario Fire College Professional Standards Setting Body in the review of all standards for firefighter training in Ontario. He is the Past President of the Institution of Fire Engineers (Canada Branch). Chief Stewart also serves as the Immediate Past President of the Institution of Fire Engineers and Past President of the Metropolitan Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs/National Fire Protection Association.

Chief Stewart is a graduate of the Ontario Fire College, Technology Diploma Programs, Executive Development Program and the Canadian Emergency Preparedness College.

 

Don Trider

Managing Director
Canadian Professional Management Services

Dr. Trider joined Canadian Professional Management Services in 1999 upon his retirement from the Halifax Regional School Board as Superintendent. His education career spans over 32 years and includes many high profile roles and responsibilities including President of the Canadian Association of School Administrators.

Since joining Canadian Professional Management Services, Dr. Trider has been instrumental in the development of the annual International Conference for Fire & Rescue Executives as well as the annual International Conference for Police & Law Enforcement Executives. These executive education conferences are recognized for the relevance of their programs and the quality of their speakers.

Dr. Trider's responsibilities include the development and presentation of leadership programs for uniformed services and governance boards, as well as assistance in strategic planning.

 

Garnell W. Whitfield, Jr.

Commissioner
Buffalo Fire Department

Commissioner Whitfield was appointed to his position in August 2010, having served as Interim Commissioner for the previous four months. Commissioner Whitfield became a city firefighter in 1984 and battled blazes from three firehouses before moving into fire headquarters in 1998 to serve as Chief Administrator, and then Deputy Commissioner.

A 23-year veteran of the Buffalo Fire Department, Commissioner Whitfield, served as Deputy Commissioner of Emergency Services, which oversees all first aid and EMS calls in the Department.

As the Department's Chief Fire Administrator from 1998 to 2004, Commissioner Whitfield served as liaison between Civil Service and the New York State Police and Fire Retirement System. A front-line Firefighter, Deputy Commissioner Whitfield served at Engine 37, Engine 31, and Engine 33.