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Fire commish is first student registered in JIBC’s bachelor of fire and safety studies

September 2006 – NEW WESTMINSTER – B.C. Fire Commissioner David Hodgins recently registered as the first student in Canada’s first and only bachelor degree in fire and safety. The Justice Institute of B.C. developed the degree program in recognition of the increasing expectation that fire service employees are expected to manage effectively, focus their efforts strategically, maximize the use of resources and work in partnership with multiple agencies.  It will ensure that Canadian communities are served by individuals with the managerial skills to lead the fire services into the future.

“The new degree program signals the transition from the traditional view of the fire service as an occupation’ to a true ‘profession’,” said Bruce Hall, chair of the JIBC board of governors and Fire Chief of the Municipality of Whistler, who was on hand to accept Hodgins’ application at Saanich Fire Hall #3.

JIBC President Jack McGee thanked Hodgins for his leadership and demonstration of support for the degree program and reiterated the JIBC’s commitment to “developing degrees that will allow professionals in other public safety disciplines an opportunity to acquire a credential, beyond the basic certificate and diploma levels.”

Every day everyone in BC benefits from the graduates of the JIBC who keep communities, businesses and homes safe. The JIBC is a dynamic, post-secondary learning organization recognized nationally and internationally for continuous improvement and innovative education in the areas of justice, public safety and human services.  Each year, from a base of ten disciplines, we deliver programming in over 190 communities throughout the province, as well as across Canada and to students in or from 10 countries. Over 30,000 students enrol in our programs annually, 6,000 of who take courses on-line.