Hamilton Fire program provides a unique view into the career of firefighting for women

HAMILTON, ON – Over the past decade women have applied in increasing numbers to the fire service. In 2001, Hamilton’s Fire Department hired its first two female firefighters, and they are both still proud firefighters today. Since then, Hamilton Fire now employs 69 women in a variety of roles including, firefighting, fire prevention, dispatch and administrative positions. In 2015, firefighter Pike Krpan saw an opportunity to continue to grow this number and provide women with the chance to learn more about a career in firefighting. Now in its 4th year, the Hamilton Fire Department Camp FFIT (Female Firefighters in Training) program, led by Krpan, is a physically and mentally challenging three days of hands-on learning for women ages 16 to 20 to experience first-hand what it’s like to be a firefighter.

Supported by Fire Service Women Ontario and Humber College’s School of Social and Community Services, Camp FFIT is modelled after similar camps that have been conducted across the province, notably the City of Ottawa.

Quick Facts

• Space is limited. There are 20 spots available in the Hamilton Fire Department Camp FFIT program.
• The program runs from October 12 to 14 at the Multi-Agency Training Centre, located at 1227 Stone Church Road East, Hamilton.
• The Application deadline is September 21, 2018. For information on how to qualify and apply for the program please visit: www.Hamilton.ca/campffit
• Successful applicants will be required to complete the formal registration forms and submit the Camp FFIT fee of $50.
• All Camp FFIT activities will be led and supervised by qualified firefighters.
• Training includes:
  • Wearing firefighter gear, including the use of self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
  • Hose lines and ladders, including climbing an aerial ladder
  • View an auto extrication demonstration (Jaws of Life)
  • Search and rescue and Fire prevention
  • Fire communications, Medical call demonstration
  • Health and fitness information

“I am incredibly proud of the contributions of all the women of the Hamilton Fire Department. Women have been successfully performing as both volunteer and fulltime firefighters for many years. It takes a special person to be a firefighter; one who has strong personal and moral values, someone who is compassionate and has a genuine desire to help others, a team player and someone who is willing to give of them self every day to serve their community, even in the worst of times. I encourage the women of Hamilton who see this in themselves to consider the career options the fire service provides, and join our team of incredible people in serving the City of Hamilton.” - David R. (Dave) Cunliffe, Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire Department

Additional Resources

Check out our latest videos below:

• Camp FFiT video
• Hamilton Fire Department Video