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OAFC Conference and Trade Show 2011

WEB EXCLUSIVE

OAFC highlights
It’s been a whirlwind few days at the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Conference, filled with networking at the trade show, learning and communicating at the educational seminars, and of course, a little fun and camaraderie at the annual Fire Fighting in Canada golf tournament. Check out our exclusive photo gallery for some highlights.

May 2, 2011
By Carey Fredericks

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The 59th annual Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Conference, Trade Show and Educational Seminars opened on Saturday, April 30, at the Toronto Congress Centre. Although the trade show wraps up today, the seminars, conferences and networking will last until Wednesday, finishing with the OAFC banquet. The OAFC festivities were opened with the annual Fire Fighting in Canada golf tournament on Friday, April 29, carrying on a tradition of fun and camaraderie. Click on the images below to see the photos at full size. Photos by Laura King and Stefanie Wallace.


OAFC director Neville Murphy, deputy chief in Kingston, Ont., introduced the dynamic duo of Barb and Bill Johnston, co-founders of The Centre for Applied Human Dynamics.	Barb and Bill Johnston, co-founders of The Centre for Applied Human Dynamics, offered a workshop on improving communication skills, reducing stress, boosting morale and fostering more effective team interaction.


Deputy Chief Jim Jessop of the Niagara Falls Fire Department (standing) joined Frank Lamie, deputy fire chief of fire prevention and public education for Toronto Fire Services (seated), on Tuesday to outline the advisory note produced by the OAFC to assist chief fire officers in approving fire-safety plans for care occupancies.	After setting the first order of business — the correct pronunciation of his last name — Ontario Fire Marshal Ted Wieclawek, who was appointed to the position in January 2011, discussed what the Office of the Ontario Fire Marshal is doing to improve protection for firefighters and residents in Ontario.

The Sunday evening memorial service honoured 25
former members of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs who have passed away
since last year’s conference with memorial helmets.

The Ontario Fire Service Pipes and
Drums band provided music through the ceremony.

Chief Tim Beckett, president of the OAFC, leads the procession into the memorial service, followed by Ian Davidson, deputy minister of community safety; Ted Wieclawek, the fire marshal of Ontario; Chief William Stewart of Toronto Fire Services and Rob Simonds, president of the CAFC and chief for the City of Hamilton Fire Department.

The fire chiefs of Simcoe County pose for a group photo, looking strapping in uniform.


The Kitchener Fire Honour Guard joined the Ontario Fire Service Pipes and Drums band in the opening ceremonies.	City of Hamilton Fire Chief Rob Simonds addresses the crowd as president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs at the President's Welcome on Monday.


Charles Sousa, Ontario minister of labour (centre), addresses the delegates, joined by OAFC President Tim Beckett and Kathleen Wynne, Ontario minister of transportation.	Kathleen Wynne, Ontario minister of transportation, adds her remarks.

James Bradley, Ontario minister of community safety and correctional services, addresses the delegates on Monday morning.

Brian Nash, of Fort Garry Fire Trucks, addresses the crowd at the FEMSA/FAMA Canadian Governmental Committee as the outgoing chair, while OAFC President Tim Beckett looks on. The committee comprises fire service personnel and manufacturers who are working with associations across the country to advocate funding for the Canadian fire service.

Chief Richard Boyes of the Oakville Fire Department addresses the attendees of the FEMSA/FAMA Canadian Governmental Committee as the incoming chair.

Fire Fighting in Canada editor Laura King moderated the first FFIC roundtable discussion on Monday May 2. From left to right, Chief Rob Simonds (Hamilton, Ont., formerly Saint John, N.B.), Chief Richard Boyes (Oakville, Ont.), Chief Vince MacKenzie (Grand Falls-Windsor, N.L.), Chief Stephen Gamble (Langley, B.C.) and Chief Brad Bigrigg (Caledon, Ont.), discussed fire-service topics and issues of a mostly national scope. Watch for video previews of the roundtable discussion on Firefightingincanada.com in the coming weeks!