The Fire Prevention Officer (FPO) Mentorship Program has launched in Orillia, Ont., bringing together fire services from across Ontario and the Cree Nation communities of Northern Québec.
The FPO Mentorship Program will see 10 FPOs from the Cree Nations of Northern Québec travelling to Southern Ontario to work in conjunction with 11 fire departments to gain experience in establishing their own programs at home.
The program will see each FPO partner with an Ontario fire department for one month and will allow them to bring back valuable fire safety knowledge and experience to their community.
The program was created in partnership with the Emergency Management Group Inc., Waswanay Consulting Inc., Ontario fire departments and the Grand Council of Crees (Eeyou Istchee).
The Ontario fire departments participating are:
Grand Chief Mandy Gull-Masty, Grand Council of the Crees (Eeyou Istche)/ Cree Nation Government commented: “Fire prevention is so vital for our communities, especially with the unique challenges we face.
“This mentorship program will give our Fire Prevention Officers the knowledge and support needed to better protect our communities and build a safer future for all in Eeyou Istchee.”
Mayor Don McIsaac, from the City of Orillia said: “Orillia is honoured to be a part of this vital initiative, contributing to the safety and resilience of our Cree Nation partners while building lasting relationships.
“Fire prevention is a shared responsibility and this mentorship program is a powerful example of how collaboration strengthens community safety.”
Michelle Vandevord, Executive Director, National Indigenous Fire Safety Council said: “The National Indigenous Fire Safety Council (NIFSC) commends the Cree Nation and Ontario fire departments for their collaboration in the Fire Prevention Officer Mentorship Program.
“By providing the Cree Nations with the tools and knowledge to develop Fire Prevention Programs and Community Risk Reduction Outreach Programs, we can help ensure that these communities are better prepared to prevent fires and protect their residents.
“We extend our deepest gratitude to all stakeholders, organizers, and participants who contributed to the success of this program.
“Collaborative efforts like these are fundamental in advancing our shared mission of fire safety for all Indigenous communities.”
Fire departments from Cree Nation and Ontario partner on FPO Mentorship Program: Summary
The FPO Mentorship Program has launched, uniting fire services from across Ontario and the Cree Nation communities of Northern Québec.
Mayor Don McIsaac, from the City of Orillia said that fire prevention is a shared responsibility, calling the mentorship program is a powerful example of how collaboration strengthens community safety.
