Comment: Reflecting on a pivotal year

Just like that, we have already reached the final print edition of Canadian Firefighter for the 2024 calendar year. How time flies! 

So much has happened in the Canadian fire service this year. Lithium-ion battery fires have remained a top priority in preparation, training, research and intra-agency collaboration. Wildfires raged across the country, and the Canadian Interagency Forest Fire Centre shared that over 2,000 Canadian firefighters were deployed as of Aug. 20, leaving the country at a national preparedness level of five and requesting assistance from international partners. Canadian fire departments have started welcoming electric fire apparatuses to cities such as Calgary, Victoria and Vancouver. As the Canadian Radio Television Telecommunications Commission’s (CRTC) mandate for all emergency call centres to implement NG91-1 by March 4, 2025, looms nearer, firefighters are preparing for a new dispatch system. Firefighter mental and physical health and wellness was also a top priority for municipalities and provincial bodies alike, as further investments into new programs for first responders were announced. 

Throughout all of this, you have remained resilient and dedicated to serving your communities, and now, we want to celebrate you and what you do every day. 

With that, I am excited to bring you Canadian Firefighter’s second annual cover photo contest. After the success of our inaugural contest and the opportunity to share firefighters’ unique perspectives from coast to coast, I knew this tradition must continue. This year’s contest received over 100 entries from nine provinces and one territory and reflected widespread engagement and enthusiasm within the fire service. 

Competitions like this play a crucial role in highlighting the exceptional talent within the fire service while fostering a stronger sense of community across Canada. I hope this year’s winning photo and group of honourable mentions shown in the magazine and on cdnfirefighter.com inspire you and offer new ideas for future submissions. 

Throughout all of this, you have remained resilient and dedicated to serving your communities.

A special thank you goes out to WATERAX for sponsoring the 2024 contest. We greatly appreciate your support in showcasing the experiences of Canadian firefighters. On behalf of WATERAX and Canadian Firefighter, I hope you enjoy the finalists as much as we did. 

We are excited to continue this tradition with Canadian Firefighter’s third annual photo contest in 2025. Keep an eye out for upcoming details, and get ready to share your compelling images! 

As always, I invite you to pitch me your ideas, send me your latest news and accomplishments, or connect with me to have a conversation. You can reach me at bschroeder@annexbusinessmedia.com.  

Until next time, happy reading, and be well.