CAF fire service: building leaders, driving change through FSWO

The Canadian Armed Forces’ fire service was represented at this year’s Fire Service Women Ontario Training Symposium by members from 19 Wing Comox, 4 Wing Cold Lake, CFB Edmonton, CFB Borden, 8 Wing Trenton, Ottawa and 14 Wing Greenwood.

When members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) fire service first attended the Fire Service Women Ontario (FSWO) Training Symposium in 2022 in Belleville, Ontario, it was transformative.

What began as a few dedicated members seeking professional development opportunities outside of the CAF has evolved into a nationwide community of firefighters united by mentorship, learning and shared purpose. The experience gave CAF female firefighters something new: the chance to connect, grow and contribute within a supportive and empowering environment that extends beyond their unit’s walls.

Every year since that first event, the CAF has proudly held the largest departmental presence at the FSWO Symposium - a clear reflection of the organization’s belief in this initiative and the value it brings to the trade.

This is more than just a training opportunity. It is a community-building effort that has given women in the CAF fire trade something they have never had before: a network they can look forward to, grow from and rely on. The coast-to-coast collaboration allows members to remain connected year-round, sharing lessons, encouragement and opportunities across the trade.

Sergeant Kathleen Jamieson, right, was presented the 2025 President’s Trailblazer Award by Fire Service Women Ontario president of Captain Tracey Shields, Ottawa Fire Service; for her contributions to advancing diversity and inclusion within the fire service and inspiring future generations. Jamieson has been a member of the Canadian Armed Forces’ fire service since 2014, and is a Fire Service Women Ontario board member.

The CAF’s ongoing commitment to this partnership underscores a strong belief that, when people are empowered, the profession as a whole thrives. The CAF’s involvement at the symposium has earned high regard from across the fire service community. CAF members are consistently recognized for their professionalism, dedication and respect; and they represent the service to the highest standard. Their participation strengthens not only the reputation of the military fire trade, but also the connection between military and civilian fire services across Canada.

This success is built on leadership that believes in growth and inclusion. Chief Warrant Officer Troy Noseworthy, who works at the Canadian Forces fire marshal’s office and serves as the trade advisor for the firefighter occupation, has been instrumental in helping to establish the FSWO Symposium as a respected opportunity for professional development within the CAF fire service.

The involvement of male allies within the CAF - men who attend to listen, learn and understand how to make the trade stronger and more inclusive; speaks volumes about the cultural evolution underway.

Canadian Armed Forces firefighters Warrant Officer Melanie MacLean of 4 Wing Cold Lake (standing), Aviator Samantha L'Heureux of CFB Edmonton (crouched right) and Aviator Emily Vanderstelt of CFB Edmonton work on a simulated response. MacLean is the only current female warrant officer in the CAF fire service.

This year, for the first time, the CAF fire chief from CFB Comox attended the symposium, reinforcing a united commitment from leadership across the country.

This year was also special for Sergeant Kathleen Jamieson, a proud member of the Canadian Armed Forces fire service since 2014. Jamieson was presented with the 2025 President’s Trailblazer Award for her exceptional contributions to FSWO, to the advancement of the fire service and to inspiring future generations of firefighters.

Jamieson’s ongoing involvement with FSWO has been possible, in part, thanks to the unwavering support of her officer commanding, Captain Lindsay Williams, at the Transition Centre at 14 Wing Greenwood, who has encouraged her continued work with the not-for-profit organization as she moves into the next chapter of her life post-CAF.

“Sergeant Jamieson continues to represent the Canadian Armed Forces fire service with exceptional professionalism and purpose,” says Williams. “Her dedication to FSWO, and her leadership in advancing diversity and inclusion within her trade, make us incredibly proud. These accomplishments - both the President’s Trailblazer Award and her contributions toward the national DEI Award at Fire Rescue Canada, reflect her unwavering commitment to making the fire service stronger for everyone.”

The CAF’s continued involvement with FSWO is a powerful example of what can happen when opportunity, leadership and community align. Together, they are building stronger leaders, creating meaningful change and setting a national standard for excellence and inclusivity in the CAF fire service.

What began in 2022 has become a movement - one that strengthens the trade, empowers its members and unites a coast-to-coast community dedicated to building leaders and driving change.