Hamilton Fire program provides women with unique view into firefighting career

HAMILTON, ON – The Hamilton Fire Department encourages young women interested in a career in firefighting to apply to the 5th annual Camp Female Firefighters in Training (FFIT), a challenging and fun-filled program taking place September 27-29, 2019.

Camp FFIT provides women aged 16-20 with a hands-on learning experience that is both physically and mentally demanding. It provides participants with first-hand knowledge of the duties of a firefighter while developing emergency preparedness skills.

This year marks the fifth anniversary of the Camp Female Firefighters in Training (FFIT) program and I am proud of its continued success and ongoing leadership by Firefighter Pike Krpan. By encouraging and supporting women to consider a career in the fire service, Camp FFIT serves as an example of the Hamilton Fire Department’s continued commitment to a diverse and inclusive workforce. I encourage the young women of Hamilton who have strong moral values, are compassionate, and want to help keep residents and our community healthy and safe to apply to join this exciting program -  David R. (Dave) Cunliffe, Fire Chief, Hamilton Fire Department

Led and supervised by qualified firefighters, participants will engage in various activities and training exercises, such as:

• Wearing firefighter gear, including self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA)
• Search and rescue
• Hose lines and ladders, including climbing an aerial ladder
• Auto extrication, commonly known as the Jaws of Life
• Fire prevention
• Medical call demonstration

Over the past decade, women have applied in increasing numbers to the fire service. In 2001, the Hamilton Fire Department hired its first two female firefighters, and they are both still proud firefighters today. Recognizing an opportunity to grow the number of women employed in the fire service, Firefighter Pike Krpan started the Camp FFIT program in 2014 to give women an opportunity to learn more about a career in firefighting. Today, the Hamilton Fire Department employs 71 women across a range of management, officer rank and frontline positions.

Camp FFIT continues to be a powerful opportunity for young women to see what amazing heights they are capable of reaching with determination and support. - Pike Krpan, Firefighter, Hamilton Fire Department

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

• A total of 75 young women have participated in the Camp FFIT program since its inception in 2014.
• Completed applications are due September 13, 2019.
• Space is limited. There are 20 spots available in the Camp FFIT program.
• Successful applicants will be required to complete the formal registration forms and submit the Camp FFIT fee of $50.
• The program takes place at the Multi-Agency Training Centre, located at 1227 Stone Church Road East, Hamilton.

Additional Resources

• Information and application details: Camp FFIT
• Camp FFIT video
• Hamilton Fire Department video