Responder - Pioneer Leads Firefighter Team Starting Your Drone Program Would You Believe It? - Alberta Fire Chiefs Association
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Responder
THE Spring/Summer 2020
W E S T E R N C A N A D A’ S F I R E C H I E F S
Pioneer Leads
Firefighter Team
Starting Your Drone
Program
Would You Believe It?
Spring/Summer 2020 | 1
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2 | The Responder
Responder
THE
W E S T E R N C A N A D A’ S F I R E C H I E F S
The Responder is the official publication of
the Alberta Fire Chiefs Association and the
Saskatchewan Association of Fire Chiefs. The
CONTENTS
magazine is published twice a year.
The publication is distributed free of charge to
emergency services personnel throughout Alberta, ■ AFCA, SAFC, AND PROVINCIAL NEWS
Manitoba, Saskatchewan and British Columbia. In
addition, The Responder is distributed to urban and
4 From The Publisher
rural municipalities, industry partners and other 5 From AFCA President Randy Schroeder
organizations with an interest in fire and related
emergency services.
■ FIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION
Publication Mail Agreement: 40065432
Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: 8 Pioneer Leads Firefighter Team
The Responder 14 It’s A New World! COVID-19
#2 51221 Range Rd 265
And First Responders Are Part Of It All!
Spruce Grove, Alberta
Canada T7Y 1E7
■ FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS
Phone: 1.780.953.0111 16 The Rebirth of An Industry Giant
Email: bstecyk@theresponder.ca Carl Thibault Emergency Vehicles
Publisher/Editor 22 Starting Your Drone Program
Brian Stecyk
Email: bstecyk@theresponder.ca
■ HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Advertising Executive 26 Would You Believe It?
Lance Gore
Email: lancegore999@gmail.com 28 Building Resilience Muscle
Creative Director
Margaret Horton
Email: art@theresponder.ca
Copyright 2020, AFCA and SAFC. All rights
reserved. The contents of this publication may not
Cover Photo: Andrea Connor gets her first taste of hose training
be reproduced by any means in whole or in part during a Mundare Fire Department training session.
without the expressed written consent of
the publisher.
Spring/Summer 2020 | 3
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Current plans are to distribute the fall issue at the end of
November so trade members should get their advertising
requests in early. Just send me an email for details if
you don’t have them. Also, I am receptive to receiving
articles if any Fire Chief, firefighter, or emergency officer
wants to try their hand at writing. Just give me a call to
discuss.
I hope to see all of you in the near future. Best wishes
for good health.
Brian Stecyk
Publisher/Editor
I always look forward to meeting and talking to
Fire Chiefs and trade members at the Alberta and
Saskatchewan Conferences and Trade Shows. I like
to keep up with what is happening throughout the
provinces and it is always great to see the new products
and services offered. Hopefully, next spring will enable all
of us to do that again.
COVID-19 has been difficult for everyone. As editor,
I was unable to travel to fire departments that I had
hoped to feature in articles. I will be following up on
those contacts for the fall edition and hopefully will be
able to do interviews and take photos before the
snow flies.
This issue has been delayed for COVID-19 reasons but
fortunately things are gradually returning to closer to
normal. I express special thanks to Fire Chief Glenda
Dales and her team at the Mundare Fire Department
for agreeing to spend time with me in spite of the
COVID-19 situation. Also, thanks to our advertisers and
others who communicated by telephone and email. I
really appreciated it.
4 | The Responder
AFCA, SAFC, AND PROVINCIAL NEWS
FROM AFCA
PRESIDENT
RANDY
SCHROEDER
The fundamental principle of any successful to your role as a chief officer, or well-seasoned veteran,
organization is the unification of its members. The AFCA we all need a network to go to, to provide answers or to
has been a great organization over the years advocating provide resources to your immediate needs. Or to aid you
on behalf of its members on issues affecting public safety, as a collective voice to issues that concern you, as in most
public education, training, and operations. cases your immediate neighbouring department, or the one
“down south” have the same issues.
The AFCA has been proud of all its relationships with
government, stakeholders, and affiliate organizations. Even To do this you need a trusted and hardworking board
through changes in government policy, social-economic member representing you and your region, a strong board
challenges, and most recently public health; the AFCA has member representing you as a rural or urban department,
strength within its members’ collective passion to persevere through to a great executive team to all stakeholders
in the delivery of exceptional public service in very tough including the government. The association must have the
times. strength of a strong administrative team dedicated to
delivering on the day-to-day requirements of managing the
It goes without saying that being an efficient and affairs, each and all accountable to you.
effective organization given the challenges of our full-
time leadership roles and expectations is in no large part To this end for the past year the AFCA Board of Directors
a tremendous barrier to deliver a broad spectrum of charted a new course, reflecting on internal structure with
advocacy and service to you, our members, worthy of the an eye to progressive and accountable management within
dues you pay, and the expectations you have. a governance model. First, by adopting a new bylaw, work
further on our Strategic Plan, which highlights six goals to
I believe the true purpose of the AFCA has always been to achieve in the next five years.
be a trusted resource for you. Whether you are brand new
Spring/Summer 2020 | 5
AFCA, SAFC, AND PROVINCIAL NEWS
1. Create a sound, sustainable, well-managed and challenging. To achieve it, within the confines of some
well-resourced organization with capacity to manage of the most restrictive government policy and framework
growth, programs, and member services. changes ever conceived, and within the toughest financial
environment facing the local municipality, the province,
2. Create an effective and resilient project management
and the country in recent memory, could be almost
system that provides direction for efficient program
impossible some would say.
completions.
3. Maintain and attract an inclusive, sustainable, and The AFCA has recognized that it must be efficient, timely,
supported membership base. reactive, and resolute in its approach. To achieve this, the
4. Create and maintain effective two-way communication Board has continued to make strides in all areas.
with members and stakeholders. • Increased frequency of board meetings (now monthly),
5. Create and forge strong and influential relationships
• Maintenance and review of our Strategic Plan,
with government and other critical stakeholders.
6. Advocate for legislative changes that establishes the • Revamped, redefined, and/or eliminated working
fire service as a core service with minimum standards. groups with an eye on achieving results,
I paraphrased the above noted goals from our Strategic • Adopted a working operational budget, then revamped
Plan. To accomplish these goals in a normal working as necessary to ensure accountability and sustainability
environment with limited changes to government, through 2020,
municipal, and other stakeholder relations would be
• Established work tracking systems for committees, staff,
and board members,
• Communications and engagement – membership,
committees, board relations, external government, and
stakeholders – ALL MUST IMPROVE.
I am pleased with the progress the Board has made on
your behalf in so many areas, with many elements of the
FP2 provides the most above noted goals already well underway or outright
complete, easy-to-use Record achieved.
Management System
on the market.
Work continues with the Core Competency Framework
and Wildland Urban Interface projects. Committee work
with Government Relations and Communications Strategy
including website changes is progressing and ongoing.
A complete review of our past resolutions is being
undertaken and a report on its status will be presented to
the membership shortly.
2020 – Wow, we thought we had it planned out in
February with a reworked Strategic Plan for presentation
and ratification, then bang - March and COVID-19.
Cancellation of our annual conference, the first in our
Fight Fires, Not Paperwork history to my knowledge, was very difficult but entirely
6 | The Responder
AFCA, SAFC, AND PROVINCIAL NEWS
necessary. This coupled with the growing concern on the and more are forthcoming. The AFCA looks forward
health and economic impact that still is not certain in the to upcoming updates from Fire Commissioner James
province through to our local services. The people that Orr, with respect to changes within the Technical and
make up our fire service within the province are impacted Corporate Services Office.
personally in ways that we have never seen.
The Alberta Fire Chiefs Association Bookstore continues
For the AFCA it stimulated a new approach to conference to shine under the management of Al Mercier and his
planning. The Board made the decision, given the excellent customer service. We continue to be very proud
uncertainty of the current environment, to cancel 2020 of this important resource. Thanks to all who support it.
outright. After careful consideration, 2021, 2022, and 2023 Al and Joanne continue to look for resources to provide to
all have significant changes to size, duration, venues, and you. If you have any ideas or suggestions he certainly will
locations. Given the uncertainty of the true impacts to our listen! You can contact our bookstore directly by phone or
industry – chiefly our sponsors, vendors, members, and through our website www.afca.ca
other long-time supporters, our association will for the next
few years have a smaller, highly impactful, cost effective I want to recognize and thank our trade partners,
conference. Conference work is already underway for advertisers and writers who support The Responder. The
2021 with the formation of a new conference committee, magazine is a primary communications tool for the AFCA
renegotiation with venues, hotels, and speakers etc. I and SAFC. It is read by far more than just Fire Chiefs and
encourage those that want to see improvements in our helps with reporting and bringing new ideas to the many
conference to reach out to Conference Chair – Chief Rob firefighters in Western Canada.
Evans or Executive Director Fred Tyrrell.
In addition, try out the Alberta Core Competency
Developing relationships is key to being a trusted resource Framework Toolkit at www.abfirechiefs.ca, direct or
for you. We continue to foster and support our affiliate via link through the AFCA’s website.
organizations and other associations with ongoing
communications and initiatives. Advocacy through RMA, Finally, I would like to thank our staff for their very
AUMA, CAFC and joint initiatives with all our affiliates as hard work over the last year and for their tolerance for
needed to support you will continue. change and their valuable input into every aspect of your
association. Fred, Al, Val, and Kelly thank you on behalf of
The AFCA has learned over the past six months that it will a very grateful board!
need to advocate jointly and collectively through the RMA
and AUMA for municipal issues, and develop a multi-prong Randy Schroeder
approach to Government through multiple ministries to President – Alberta Fire Chiefs Association
insure issues that are important to you are forwarded and County Fire Chief, Lac Ste. Anne County Fire Services
communicated appropriately. The AFCA will forge these Fire Chief, Town of Mayerthorpe
relationships and work hard to maintain them.
As most of you are aware, there have been significant
changes to the former Office of the Fire Commissioner, due
to the Red Tape Reduction Act. Recent communications
from the Fire Commissioner suggest and indicate that the
basis of the relationship the Office of the Fire Commissioner
had with the AFCA, its members, and the services it
provides to municipalities has been reviewed. Along with
the office’s mandate and significant changes are occurring
Spring/Summer 2020 | 7
FIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION
“ I decided right
then that I
should put my
money where my
mouth was and I
volunteered with
the Chipman Fire
“
Department.
By Brian Stecyk
Fire Chief Glenda Dales with Brush Vehicle.
8 | The Responder
FIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION
Ready to roll.
As a young girl, Glenda never had the dream of being
a firefighter. After all, firefighting was an occupation for
men—not women. It wasn’t until a major fire struck her
BE PREPARED. WE CAN HELP.
We specialize in Fire, Rescue and Emergency
acreage near Chipman, Alberta that things changed. “It
Management Consulting with decades of hands-on
was a real disaster and required response from three fire practical and consultative experience.
departments to get things under control,” she says.
“I decided right then that I should put my money where • Fire and Emergency Services • Fire Station Location, Design
my mouth was and I volunteered with the Chipman Reviews and Master Plans and Functional Studies
Fire Department. She was a pioneer—the first female • Community and Facility Hazard • Emergency Management
Risk Vulnerability Assessments Training Design and
firefighter in Lamont County. Execution
• Emergency Operations Centre
Design and Training • Fire and Life Safety Code
“That was in 1985, and I have been involved every day Consulting
• Fire Apparatus and Equipment
since,” states Glenda Dales, District Fire Chief of Mundare
Procurement • Wildfire Planning
Fire & Rescue.
• GIS Mapping and Plotting • Emergency Response Team
Services Feasibility Studies
She reports that there was some resistance to female
• Emergency Management and • Fire and Spills Mitigation
firefighters but she stuck it out. Glenda recalls that in all Response Plans Plans
the courses she attended at Lakeland College there were
very few women—she was usually the odd one out. She
transferred to the fire service in the Town of Mundare in
1993 and became fire chief in 1999, a position she still
403.444.6940
www.behrintegrated.com
holds today. When Glenda became fire chief there were
Spring/Summer 2020 | 9
FIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION
Previous week recap and discussion of upcoming training.
only three female fire chiefs in all of Alberta (out of over female fire prevention officer. About half have completed
450 fire departments at the time). NFPA 1001 with another 40 per cent close to finishing.
Like most rural volunteer fire departments the members
Glenda admits that upon occasion she wonders— come from all walks of life: banking, oil field, utilities,
“Whatever possessed me to get into this?”—but it is only trades, construction, farming—a complete community
a passing thought for a person passionate about her cross-section. They cover an area of about 210 square
profession. As a fire chief she served as Region 3 Director miles of mostly rural area with the Town of Mundare in
of the AFCA and spent eight years as a member of the the centre.
AFCA board.
Mundare Fire & Rescue responds to about 80 calls per
Mundare Fire & Rescue is part of a Regional Network year with about 40 to 50 per cent medical response and
involving the fire departments in the Town of Lamont, 20 per cent motor vehicle incidents. Others are related to
Town of Bruderheim; the Village of Chipman; the Village grass fires, farm equipment fires, and fortunately very few
of Andrew, and the Town of Mundare. Each is led by a structure fires.
District Chief and Regional Chief Shayne Milliken of
Lamont County. “Word-of-mouth is our most effective recruitment tool,”
says Glenda. “We participate in most community activities
“We have an excellent relationship with our municipalities. and have great exposure and support. Sometimes we
They give us strong support and provide us with the wonder if we are firefighters or caterers. We purchased
tools and equipment we need to get the job done,” says our rescue truck from revenue we raised through catering
Glenda. and fundraising and a matching government grant. We
jokingly say the name on the truck should be “Rescue and
Glenda leads a team of 16 men and four women plus a Catering Truck”.
10 | The ResponderFIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION
Newest recruits Andrea and Brent Conner New firefighter Brent Conner trains on Cheyenne Sharun is a three year firefighter.
joined the Mundare Fire Department late hydrant connections.
last year.
“We spend a lot of time engaging with our community, their skills with weekly training exercises. “There are so
particularly with school students and seniors. People have many other things they could be doing,” says Glenda,
a big heart when it comes to the fire department. We “but they put their service to the community first.”
have a very small population (in town about 900) but
they are mega supporters. We did a camp-out on the A major issue for every fire chief is the well-being of their
roof of the tire shop on a Friday, Saturday and Sunday in members. Glenda has been involved in Critical Incident
December. Called “Heroes in the Sky” we raised $15,000.
I don’t know if we will do it again—I am still warming up
from the event—I have never been so cold—but it was s m i t h b ro w n l e e . c o m
worth it!”, she adds. Project Management
Procurement
Needs Assesment Technology Configuration
New recruits, Andrea and Brent Conner, joined because Implementation
Change Management
they wanted to be more active in the community—they
learned about the opportunity by word-of-mouth, and
are now actively engaged in training and response. TECHNOLOGY
made simple
A young woman, Cheyenne Sharun joined three years
ago because her dad is a firefighter when he is not Workflow Analysis
Technology Support
farming. “My friends think it is cool but some say I am Data Analysis Asset Management
Documentation
crazy to endanger myself,” Cheyenne says. Business Intelligence
Instead of golfing or curling on Tuesday evenings the
members of Mundare Fire & Rescue develop and hone
Spring/Summer 2020 | 11FIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION
“ There are so many other
things they could be doing,
but they put their service to
“
the community first.
On the way.
and Support since the early 1990s. “When I first became
a firefighter, the attitude was “suck-it-up” and move on.
That is no longer the case. We now realize how important
mental health is and we take care of our people properly,”
states Glenda.
Firefighter Al Lenkewich and Firefighter Dwayne Hick discuss
training with Fire Chief Glenda Dales.
The entire department is engaged and everyone takes
pride in their profession. When they outgrew their
small fire hall, the members built an addition—they did the truck cleaning out the clay while a much larger
everything required to more than double the space they person shoveled it away. “That is the way it is—if it has
had. “The only outside help we required were some to be done everyone is willing to do it,” she says. The
tradespeople to ensure we complied with the building work ethic comes with the pioneering spirit!
code requirements,” said Captain Sean Brison.
Chief Dales still leads by example. After responding to a
rural grass fire the brush truck was caked underneath with
gumbo clay. Glenda spent a good part of the day, under
12 | The ResponderFIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION
ONLINE ORDERING, another way we are
With you Every Step of the Way
Sign up for an account at www.wfrfire.com/sign-up
Your Equipment Destination:
WFR Wholesale Fire & Rescue Ltd. 1.800.561.0400 | sales@wfrfire.com
Spring/Summer 2020 | 13FIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION
IT’S A NEW WORLD! COVID-19
AND FIRST RESPONDERS ARE PART OF IT ALL!
The Stony Plain Fire Department
stepped right up!
Drive-By Graduations
Drive-By Birthday Parties
Drive-By Hospital Visits
Drive-By Celebrations Photo credit: Erika Oshiki.
Memorial Composite High School Graduate Scott Higdon rides in Bob
Allen’s 1954 Seagrave Pumper once used by Chicago Fire Station 6.
Photo credit: Erika Oshiki. Photo credit: Erika Oshiki.
Photo credit: Stony Plain Fire Department. Photo credit: Stony Plain Fire Department.
14 | The ResponderFIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION
Photo credit: Stony
Plain Fire Department.
These Fire Hall parking signs created quite a community conversation.
Photo credit: Stony Plain Fire Department. Photo credit: Stony Plain Fire Department.
The Stony Plain Fire Department used social media to let people
know they could put a message or artwork around the Fire Hall.
They provided the chalk—residents provided the artwork and all the
sidewalks and aprons were completely covered.
Spring/Summer 2020 | 15FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS THE REBIRTH OF AN INDUSTRY GIANT CARL THIBAULT EMERGENCY VEHICLES By Brian Stecyk Westvac Industrial Ltd. is a municipal and industrial dealership that operates throughout all the provinces of Western Canada. With three divisions, Westvac Industrial prides itself on providing value and expertise to the public services that aid our Canadian communities. Westvac Industrial understands that all fire departments are held to an unmatched standard, which is why the organization only represents the highest quality products available in the fire industry. Having the opportunity to expand their Fire Division, and being able to present this option to Western Canadian Westvac Industrial decided to partner with Carl Thibault Fire Departments is something the whole company shares Emergency Vehicles. an excitement about. Establishing a connection with this well-rounded “We chose to develop a relationship with Carl Thibault manufacturer was an obvious choice for the business Emergency Vehicles because they fit with our commitment 16 | The Responder
FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS
“ Built on values, powered
by integrity, and driven by
a relentless commitment
to quality products and
service, we are proud to have
Photo credits: Carl Thibault Emergency Vehicles. Westvac Industrial as our
to integrity and quality and they have a history of tirelessly
working to adapt to new technology and to improve their
“
exclusive distributor of Carl
Thibault Emergency Vehicles
product,” says Gary Vermeulen, President of Westvac
Industrial.
in Western Canada.
Westvac Industrial understands that every fire department
Spring/Summer 2020 | 17FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS
“ We have always strived to match
or exceed the great reputation
of our founder, Pierre Thibault—
over 100 years later. I am proud
of our family company—my
daughter Maricarl is now a fourth
generation Thibault working to
“
manufacture fire trucks.
is unique and has differing needs from another. This is that represented the company’s employees. The company
where Carl Thibault Emergency Vehicles shines, as they unfortunately did not survive this new ownership.
will always work with a department to customize the
apparatus to fit their specific needs. Given their past, Carl In 1990, Carl started over and set up in an 8,000 sq. ft.
Thibault Emergency Vehicles has an unmatched expertise building. Like many entrepreneurs he succeeded through
that allows them to create the most dependable and hard work and with the help of his wife, Marie Nadeau
proven trucks there are. Their generational story is one who handles the purchasing and administrative functions
that really sets them apart in the fire industry. while he took care of everything else. Former employees
with technical skills returned and quality production was
The first major manufacturer of fire vehicles in Canada underway again.
was Pierre Thibault in the early 20th century. This foray
into emergency response fire vehicles is a reflection of At the same time the old Thibault plant was put into use
the evolution of the firefighting industry in Canada. by Bombardier and Inovatech under the name of Nova-
Carl Thibault Emergency Vehicles were the mainstay Quintech. They found the fire truck industry was not easy
of the industry because of the quality and continuous and competition was fierce. They soon abandoned fire
improvement adopting new technological advances. trucks to concentrate on busses. As a final move they sold
the brand name, Thibault, to an American competitor.
Pierre Thibault built a company that became known as an
international leader in quality manufacturing and led to But, Carl was a survivor. He successfully negotiated
the company history being memorialized in the Canada purchase of the former buildings originally owned by his
Science and Technology Museum in Ottawa. They were grandfather and although the huge 100,000 sq. ft. plant
so good that, at one time nearly every fire department in was too large it turned out to be the right decision. Under
Canada possessed a Thibault truck. his leadership, supplemented with fourth generation
Thibaults the company continues to grow. Carl Thibault
Carl was named President after his father’s death, but Emergency Vehicles is now firmly re-established and able
his tenure was short as other family members sold their to provide and service fire trucks across Canada.
shares to the F.T.Q. Workers Solidarity Fund, the Union
18 | The ResponderFIREFIGHTERS IN ACTION Spring/Summer 2020 | 19
FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS
CT Mid 1980s Fire Apparatus.
CT Model T.
“Our growth is based upon superior quality production,
a reputation for quality and incredible service,” says Carl.
“We have always strived to match or exceed the great
reputation of our founder, Pierre Thibault—over 100 years
later. I am proud of our family company—my daughter
Maricarl is now a fourth generation Thibault working to
manufacture fire trucks.” we are proud to have Westvac Industrial as our exclusive
distributor of Carl Thibault Emergency Vehicles in Western
Carl Thibault Emergency Vehicles provides a wide range of Canada.” (taken from Carl Thibault website).
fire trucks and equipment: ladder trucks, pumper trucks,
and tanker trucks, rescue units, skid mounted and mini- Westvac Industrial’s repair and maintenance facility located
pumpers. As well, they provide a full range of services for in Acheson, AB, is fully equipped with eight bays, a five-ton
repair or refurbishment. overhead crane, and vehicle lifts capable of lifting all sizes
of apparatus. With EVT Master Technicians available they
“Built on values, powered by integrity, and driven by a can provide fire apparatus service in-shop or to your door.
relentless commitment to quality products and service, Or if you’re in the need for apparatus pump and ground
Show that you value your volunteers!
• Fire Truck Repairs & • Low cost protection
Maintenance • More benefits for death, disability and dismemberment
• Fire Equipment Repairs • First Responder Assistance Program (EAP) included
• Fire Equipment &
• Specific benefits for brain damage and coma
Safety Supply Sales
John Kent Owner/Manager • Cover the lost wages of family members!
• Fire Truck Operation &
Maintenance Training & Prince Albert, Saskatchewan Call Toll Free:
Pump Tests Cell: 306.961.9393 1.800.686.4767
• Refurbished Fire Trucks Email: fireandauto@sasktel.net www.providentbenefits.ca
20 | The ResponderFIRE INDUSTRY NEWS
Carl Thibault Demi H-GO Spartan.
Thibault 1724 Collingwood, ON autopompe pumper 500P. Matador Ladder Truck Carl Thibault.
ladder testing? They can do that as well in their testing Their goal—like Pierre Thibault’s over 100 years ago—is
facility. to deliver such an impressive and advanced product
that Carl Thibault Emergency Vehicles will again be the
Carrying a large inventory of parts and access to a wide mainstay of Canada’s fire services with equipment used by
variety of suppliers means your unit will be back in service almost every fire department. Thanks to unstopping grit
as quickly and safely as possible. All service and repairs and determination shared by both organizations, this an
conform to applicable editions of NFPA, CAN/ULC achievable goal.
and CSA.
Spring/Summer 2020 | 21FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS
Photos credit: Kevin Toderel.
An eye in the sky helps the crew on the ground.
STARTING YOUR
DRONE
PROGRAM
By Kevin Toderel
Drones are quickly becoming an essential
part of fire service equipment.
If you have been considering working a drone into Ottawa Fire’s Kris Gough took a crawl, walk, run approach.
your operations, now is the time to get started. Public Rather than investing in one expensive drone, Ottawa Fire
Safety is now the #1 user of small and medium drones started small with consumer drones, learned and then built
(RPAS) in the world. From small rural departments their fleet slowly. Now their multiple drones have provided
to major metropolitan departments, the successful big benefits. The ‘aha’ moment happened recently at some
applications are vast and the benefits undeniable. large scale brush fires, where the drone enabled the Chief
22 | The ResponderFIRE INDUSTRY NEWS
to make a rapid assessment of the situation. They were Photo, video and IR sensors will give you most of the
able to direct personnel walking and on ATV’s in real time operational capability you would ever need – basic search
increasing speed of deployment and safety. and rescue, accident scene mapping, live views in video
and IR of incidents. Best solutions are the Parrot Anafi
So what does it take to get started? Let’s dispel some Work – ($1,599), Parrot Anafi Thermal ($2,699), DJI Mavic
myths first. 2 Enterprise Zoom ($3,189) and DJI Mavic 2 Enterprise
Dual ($4,699).
Myth #1 – It’s expensive.
Truth #1 – You can get started with equipment, training, Tier 2 $10,000 - $25,000, – In this tier you add
and licensing for under $5,000. capabilities to interchange sensors, IP (weather proofing)
Myth #2 – It’s too highly regulated. ratings, better resolution IR options, options for multiple
sensors, and greater temperature capability. More
Truth #2 – With the new regulations, licensing it is easy
advanced search and rescue scenarios, hazmat, and
and virtually all the main equipment will allow for advanced
other scenarios are possible. Best aircraft solutions are
operations virtually anywhere. Transport Canada has clear
DJI Matrice M200, DJI Matrice M210 ($12,700) or DJI
guidelines for public safety use that allow for quick and easy
Matrice M300. Sensors start at $2,500. Mid-range IR
deployment.
sensors start at $8,900.
Myth #3 – Drones are hard to fly and software is
complicated. Tier 3 $30,000+, – Building on Tier 2 you add more
Truth #3 – With some preparation, three to five days of advanced sensors, IP protection, and longer flight times.
training, and practice, anyone can become a good enough These aircraft may have an integrated or add on “tether”
pilot for standard public safety missions. Flight software is
easy – drag and drop, and even complex accident scenes
can be modeled with the press of two buttons.
Getting Started: Hardware
A drone consists of two main parts – the airframe and its
“payload” or sensor. The most common airframes are what
are called Quadcopters – that is they have four rotors that
control the aircraft. These range from 240 grams up to
about 20 kg.
The two most common payloads for fire services are the
standard RGB camera that takes pictures and video, and
an Infrared (IR) sensor. Some payloads combine both into a
single mounted sensor. For the larger aircraft there are also
spotlights, gas detectors, speakers and even night vision
sensors that are available. Smaller aircraft typically have
a single payload that is not interchangeable. The larger
airframes can use multiple interchangeable payloads.
We like to group the categories of Drones into Three Tiers.
Tier 1 $2,500 - $5,000, – This gives you an integrated
aircraft – sensors are built in and not interchangeable.
Spring/Summer 2020 | 23FIRE INDUSTRY NEWS
Side by side images show with and without drone infrared vision. It is easy to see the hot spots with the night time vision of a drone.
to allow for continuous flight when attached to a Getting Started: Training and Operations
generator. This price range is where “Fleets” begin with Program Management – Surprisingly easy. Cloud-based
multiple aircraft for multiple scenarios. software automatically tracks flights for Transport Canada
compliance, battery life, pilot hours, and maintenance and
automatically notifies you when any action is required.
MEET
Maintenance – Again surprisingly easy. Modern UAV
have very few moving parts so do not require lots of
ARGES,
expensive maintenance. For most operations once per year
will do the trick.
Whelen’s new remote spotlight designed with officer safety in mind. Designed
Licensing – Two requirements in Canada, Basic
from the ground up and packed with Whelen’s most innovative technology, Operations, and Advanced Operations. Both are multiple
Arges™ will make you rethink what a remote spotlight is capable of. choice exams administered online by TC. Many great
training courses available for $99 - $399. Basic Operations
allows for use in uncontrolled airspace and greater than
30 metres from people. Advanced Operations allows for
operations in Controlled Airspace and within five metres
of people. With some aircraft flights over people are
permitted.
Flight Training – Actually not a TC requirement! Having
said that it is highly recommended. Fortunately there are
now training centres in most major Canadian areas offering
one to five-day programs, including many that specialize
in public safety applications. Expect to pay between $600
To learn more, call 860-526-9504 or visit WHELEN.COM
and $1,500 per person depending on course length and
location.
24 | The ResponderFIRE INDUSTRY NEWS
Missions and Practice – The #1 mistake I see Responders Robotics Association, RMUS Canada’s
departments making is not using the UAV. Do not let it YouTube Channel, https://www.youtube.com/
sit in the box. You will not wear it out! You will probably channel/UCe6ZJDlLQ9tmeRpx1x0AnlA and many
not break it. Get out and fly. If there are no operational others. Take some time to connect online with these types
opportunities make a practice course. NIST and other of resources and then get your program started.
organizations offer great plans to set up practice.
Good luck!
Moving Forward
We all understand that funding is a challenge and Author: Kevin Toderel General Manager of RMUS Canada
will become even more challenging in the short term. has worked with UAV’s in Public Safety since 2015.
Fortunately there are local grant programs available. Don’t Partners include RCMP, New Brunswick Emergency
be hesitant to look towards local organizations for support Services, Mississauga Fire, Ministry de la Securite Publique.
– this is a program that benefits everyone’s safety. There Contact: (416) 989-8540, kevin@rmus.com
are some great resources like: The Canadian Emergency
Spring/Summer 2020 | 25HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
WOULD YOU BELIEVE IT?
By Brian Stecyk
What would you think of a man building an ocean marriage fell apart in 1911 he walked from Minnesota
going ship near Moose Jaw, 1,000 miles away from the to a homestead just north of Moose Jaw. After 11
ocean with plans to sail along interior rivers so he could years he went back to Minnesota to retrieve his family
ultimately travel from Canada to Finland? but found his wife dead and his children sent to foster
homes. Devastated he returned to his homestead and in
It’s the true story of Tom Sukanen. He never made it but 1928 began building his ship to sail Saskatchewan and
his ship is the centerpiece of the Sukanen Ship Pioneer Manitoba rivers to Hudson Bay and then to Finland.
Village & Museum just 13 km south of Moose Jaw. A visit
and tour of the ship and historical village is a must for He became obsessed with building the ship and sacrificed
those visiting southwestern Saskatchewan. everything including his health. Deemed crazy he was
taken by the RCMP to an asylum in North Battleford
Tom originally emigrated from Finland to Minnesota where he died in 1943.
where he married and raised a family. When the
26 | The ResponderHEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
The remains of his ship were collected
in 1971 and the rusty hull and ship was
restored by 1977. His body was moved
to the site and placed next to his
beloved ship where both remain today.
Completely operated by volunteers
and funded by donations the location
boasts a main street and several side
streets of historical buildings all filled
with amazing artifacts. Key among
them is the fire hall constructed from
old barn lumber and then filled with
thousands of donated items.
Main Street.
Fire Hall in Sukanen Square. 1939 Bickle-Seagrave Ford. Canadian Fire Engine Company Hose Wagon
(circa 1890).
Hazmat gear. Turnout gear collection. Extinguishers.
For the bucket brigade. Fire alarms. 1965 IHC Fire Truck.
Spring/Summer 2020 | 27HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE BUILDING RESILIENCE MUSCLE By Jeff Sych, M.Sc., R.Psych 28 | The Responder
HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
The past three months has presented all of us 1) realistic expectations, 2) optimism and self-efficacy, and
with challenges as well as opportunities. The COVID-19 3) using a down regulation of the human response. Rick
pandemic has altered how we live and go about business. Hansen, another psychologist from UC Berkeley, most
The challenges that existed before the pandemic continue recently describes resilience as 1) self-determination, 2)
during the pandemic. So how then, three months later self-worth, and 3) kindness. Both Everly and Hansen write
have we survived, maybe even thrived? Resilience! that resilience can grow over time: it takes practice and is
not a quick fix.
The Canadian Institute for Public Safety Research and
Treatment (CIPSRT) provides the following definition of Resilience is to mental wellness what exercise is to physical
resilience. It is the concept of adapting or to bounce back wellness: a lot of continual little efforts build up over time.
from a negative event or experience. It can be thought
of as something one has, something one develops, or Reactive resilience then is knowing what to do in response
something one uses. There is a lack of consensus about to threats or adversity. When we consider these two
the qualities or components of resilience causing an factors of resilience, we are able to understand why some
inability to effectively study claims of the effectiveness of bounce back and others don’t when faced with threats
resiliency programs or assessing the amount of resilience and adversity.
an individual, group, or community has.
Those who have worked to build up their resilience prior
CIPSRT acknowledged that resilience can be influenced by to being impacted have trained for the moment. They
innate factors within an individual or organization. The don’t need to figure out what to do in the middle of the
other challenge is that resilience is not constant. It varies psychological crisis, they just do it.
over time and is influenced by internal personal factors
and external environmental factors. In fire departments there is a widely accepted need to
assess applicants and recruits for their physical health
While most of the attention among first responders has status. Training to meet the physical demands of the job
been placed on the idea that resilience is “bouncing back” is mandatory. We see this in full-time firefighters and
– or a reactive resilience to threats or adversity, there is paid-on call/volunteer departments as well with tower
another factor that is often missed: proactive resilience. runs, vehicles being cut apart, seacan’s filled with smoke,
Proactive resilience is the building of resistance to or doors to nowhere being pried open, state-of-the-art
immunity from threats or adversity. training facilities, and gyms outfitted with the latest fitness
equipment and professional kitchens are provided as
A key concept about resilience is that: it is not a threat or standard equipment.
adversity that causes a psychological impact or injury. It
is the stress arousing beliefs concerning the events that Where is the equivalent assessment and program for the
do. Largely it is our perception and thoughts about the building of resilience? How do you know the proactive
situation. resilience of applicants and new recruits? For many
departments in rural locations the recruitment and
Given this, resilience is not about building a stronger suit retention of firefighters is difficult. To assess an applicant’s
of armour to protect us from the impact of threats and resilience could eliminate someone in top physical form.
adversity. Instead, resilience is about changing the way we But what is the cost of not addressing the psychological
think about the threat or adversity. wellness of firefighters? The statistics support (CIPSRT
2018) that psychological injuries are costing departments
George Everly, a psychologist at John Hopkins University, more than physical injuries.
studies and writes about resilience. He found three
components that contribute to proactive resilience:
Spring/Summer 2020 | 29HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
Let’s look at the basic premise of resilience. Human This moving of the fulcrum towards the negative end
resilience, simply put, is the fostering of a sense of well- creates a stronger foundation to support the negative
being. Just as stress and trauma changes our physiology whereby it makes the balance scale less susceptible to
and neurology, we know that well-being changes it too. shift or additional negative weighting.
Resilience is turning past experiences into an inner resource
that is used as a guide for future experiences. This allows us to stay more positive (protective/coping)
during more adversity, challenges and stress.
The development of resilience can be seen as a balance
scale or seesaw. There are two misconceptions about resilience that we
need to address.
On one side of the scale you have “protective experiences”
1. Resilience is equivalent to a reduction in negative
and “coping skills” – Positive Outcomes. This is
outcomes. FALSE.
counterbalanced by the other side of the scale, where you
have “adversity” – Negative Outcomes. Resilience is the 2. In the midst of adversity one can develop resilience.
tipping of the scale towards the positive, even when under FALSE.
a heavy load on the negative side.
As you reflect on these past three months and ask,
Key to resilience is finding that the more positive outcomes “how did we get through?” I hope you are now able to
one has experienced the more the “fulcrum” (the point proudly declare, because we are resilient. Realize that
upon which the scale balances) moves towards the other you didn’t have to have been through a prior pandemic
end of the scale, building one’s level of “resilience” to the to know what to do to cope, you just had to reach into
negative outcomes. your reserve of coping strategies and monitor what your
thoughts were telling you about the threat and adversity
Over time the cumulative effects of the positive outcomes at hand. COVID-19 has seen individuals, organizations
move this balance point (fulcrum) – allowing for heavier and communities find new and novel ways of getting
weighting towards the negative side of the outcome scale through. Innovation, pragmatism, altruism and a
without throwing the balance off. sense that we are in this together have permeated. So,
congratulations for passing a true resilience training
With this illustration it’s clear that resilience is not the program. Recognize that your fulcrum has moved, you
off-loading of negative experiences but rather is about are less susceptible to the negative and that, little by little
rehearsing the mental strategies to cope. you have exercised “the resilience muscle” these past
three months. Find ways to continue the workout.
Jeff Sych is a psychologist working with public safety
personnel and supports emergency services departments
in their mental wellness and peer support initiatives. He is
an approved instructor for ICISM CISM, and is the Clinical
Director to many organizations in Western Canada.
He contributes to research and the dissemination of
information on best practices and evidence based
treatments and programs to first responders and public
safety organizations.
30 | The ResponderHEALTH AND LIFESTYLE
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