History of the BCFTOA
Conferences through the Years
A Capsule of the F.T.O.A.B.C
Annual
Conferences and Meetings1973 to Present
History
In attendance at the first meeting, May 16, 1973, Burnaby
1. Harvey Macdonald District Chief Burnaby
2. Walter Husband Captain Delta
3. Ralph Gidlof Deputy Chief District of Coquitlam
4. Archie Stacey Assistant Chief District of North Vancouver
5. Les Butler District Chief District of West Vancouver
6. Stan Lowery Chief Essondale
7. Clair Foster Inspector F.M.O
8. Art Powell New Westminster
9. Dick Halloway Deputy Chief North Vancouver City
10. Ross Dunbar Port Coquitlam
11. Vic Morgan Chief Port Moody
12. Ted Lorenze Deputy Chief Richmond
13. Jack Mackay Assistant Chief University
14. Bud Kellett Chief Training Officer Vancouver City
This association was originally formed to co-ordinate thetraining supplied to the Fire Departments of the lower Mainland. During theoriginal meetings it was ascertained that there was a need to advance thattraining throughout the province.
In conjunction with the Fire Chiefs’ Association of B.C. andthe Justice Institute Fire Academy, the Fire Training Officers’ Association ofB.C. has worked toward a uniform standard of training for the Fire Service inBritish Columbia.
First meeting of the association, held at Burnaby #1 Hall, andorganized by Ross Dunbar, Port Coquitlam
May 20, 1973
Second meeting of association, held at Burnaby, #1 Hall, withRalph Gidlof as acting secretary.
September 12, 1973
Third organizational meeting, also held at Burnaby #1 Hall, andchaired by Harvey Macdonald of the Burnaby Fire Department.
1973
Meetings were held on a regular basis until early 1974.
Election of President Ron Jacobson, Richmond, and formation of original constitution
Original logo and letterhead adopted.
Appearance of first newsletter, under direction of Bruce Hallwith such interesting highlights as "Questions and Answers From Dr. Fog Noz"and the ever controversial title page with the "Hoze Drill Logo".
Seminar Statistics: (Up-dated September 2000)
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Most hosted Department, Richmond (4),
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Most "Northerly" host, Fort Nelson, Seminar #17, 1992.
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Number of times on Vancouver Island (6)
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Small town host, Warfield, #3, 1983
Seminar #1 - 1976,
Seminar #2 - 1977,
Seminar #4 – 1979,
Seminar #22 - 1997
Most "Southerly" host, Cowichan Bay, Seminar #14,1989.
Most "Easterly" host, Nelson, Seminar #24, 1999.
Most "Westerly" host Port Alberni, Seminar #25, 2000.
Seminar #5 Cambell River, 1980
Seminar #7 Chemainus, 1982
Seminar #11 Qualicum Beach, 1986
Seminar #14 Cowichan Bay, 1989
Seminar #17 Nanaimo, 1991
Seminar #25 Port Alberni, 2000
Runners-up: Chemainus, #7, 1982
Armstrong, #10, 1985
Seminar 1 President: R. Jacobson, Richmond
Richmond, B.C. Vice President: H. Macdonald, Burnaby
7/8/9 Sept. 1976 Secretary/Treasurer: G. McDowell, WestVancouver
Seminar Subjects: Analyzing performance discrepancies
Forest Fire Fighting Operations/Tactics
Automobile Extrication
Aircraft Fire Fighting Techniques
Ambulance Service Co-ordination
Air Brake Course and Exam
Notes of Interest: Zone Representatives Zone 1 Bruce Hall, NorthVancouver
Zone 3 Jack Scott,
Kamloops
Seminar 2 President: R. Jacobson, Richmond
Richmond, B.C. Vice President: A. Stacey, NorthVancouver District
11/12/13 Sept. 1977 Secretary/Treasurer: G. McDowell,West Vancouver
Seminar Subjects: AudioVisual Equipment
Automatic Sprinkler Systems
Arson
Principles of Fire Attack & Extinguishment
Fire Fighting Methods
& Techniques
Seminar 3 President: R. Jacobson, Richmond
Kamloops, B.C. Vice President: O. Blendheim, B.C.Packers
10/11/12 Sept. 1978 Secretary/Treasurer: G. McDowell,West Vancouver
Seminar Subjects: Nanaimo Tank Fire
S.C.B.A.
Testing Fire Apparatus
Gas System Safety/Propane Incidents
Rural Water Supplies
Pre-Fire Planning
Fires & Wires
Training Techniques/Metrics for Firefighter
Seminar 4 President:R. Jacobson, Richmond
Richmond, B.C. Vice President: O. Blendheim, B.C.Packers
10/11/12 Sept. 1979 Secretary/Treasurer: G. McDowell,West Vancouver
Seminar Subjects: Fire Attack
Road Transportation of Flammable Liquids
Volunteer Training Programs
M.O.T Training Grounds
Pre-Fire Planning
Large Diameter Hose & Burn
S.C.B.A. & Entry Suits
Court Room Procedures on Arson
Seminar 5 President: O. Blendheim, B.C. Packers
Campbell River, B.C. Vice President: L. Lundrigen,Campbell River
8/9/10/11 Sept. 1980 Secretary/Treasurer: G. McDowell,West Vancouver
Seminar Subjects: Pilot & Aircraft Extrication, C.F.B. Comox
Campbell River ’80 Disaster Exercise
Firefighting Medical Aid & Disaster Plans
Foam Lecture & Demos
Pumps & Pumping
Open Forum
Notes of Interest: First 4 Day Seminar (Monday to Thursday)
First Open Forum
First Newsletter from Editor Brcue Hall, with Dr. Fog Noz & Controversial "Hose Drill" logo.
West Vancouver, B.C. 1st Vice President: L.Lundrigen, Campbell River
14/15/16/17 Sept. 1981 2nd Vice President: D.Bagshaw, Warfield
Secretary: S. Brisdon
Treasurer: H. Phillips
Seminar Subjects: Instructional Techniques
Video as a Training Aid
Oil refinery Fire Fighting Training
Size Up, Fire Attack, & Problems
Pumps & Maintenance
Notes of Interest: Expansion of Executive
Seminar 7 President:B. Hall, Fort Nelson
West Vancouver, B.C. 1st Vice President: T.Hughes
14/15/16/17 Sept. 1981 2nd Vice President: W.Markel
Secretary: S. Brisdon
Treasurer: J. Scott
Seminar Subjects: Oil Fires & Problems
Fire Department & Industrial Relations
Mountain & Land Rescue
Search & Rescue Exercise
Building a Training Ground
Marine Problems
Fishing or Golf or Round Table Discussion on FireFighting in B.C.
Seminar 8 President:B. Hall, Fort Nelson
Warfield, B.C. 1st Vice President: T. Hughes
12/13/14/15/ Sept. 1983 2nd Vice President:W. Markel, Langley District
Secretary: J. McGregor, Langley City
Treasurer: J. Scott, Kamloops
Seminar Subjects: Training Standards
Video Camers & Smoke Makers
"Burn to Learn" & Video Review
Transportation/Handling of Dangerous Goods
Emergency Measures Organization
Seminar 9 President:B. Hall, Fort Nelson
Langley, B.C. 1st Vice President: W. Markel,Langley District
10/11/12/13 Sept. 1984 2nd Vice President: R.Digby, Nanaimo
Secretary: J. McGregor, Langley City
Treasurer: J. Scott, Kamloops
Seminar Subjects: Instructional Techniques
Training for Results
Volunteer Training Programs
Development of Lesson Plans
Fire Fighter Evolutions, Pacific Marine Ins.
Seminar 10 President: B. Hall, Fort Nelson
Armstrong, B.C. 1st Vice President: W. Markel,Langley District
9/10/11/12 Sept. 1985 2nd Vice President: R.Digby, Nanaimo
Secretary: J. McGregor, Langley City
Treasurer: J. Scott, Kamloops
Seminar Subjects: Visualization in Communication
J.I.B.C. / Open Forum
Transportation of Dangerous Goods
Liquefied Petroleum Gas
Fire Fighter Evolutions: Water Supply
S.C.B.A. Olympics
Seminar 11 President:W. Markel, Langley District
Qualicum Beach, B.C. 1st Vice President: R.Digby, Nanaimo
8/9/10/11 Sept. 1986 2nd Vice President: M.Ells, Armstrong
Secretary: S. Moore, Qualicum Beach
Treasurer: J. Scott, Kamloops
Seminar Subjects: J.I.B.C. Certification Program
Audio Visual Usage
Fire Training Simulator
Ventilation Techniuques
Adult Learning
Fires & Wires
Training Ground Facilities Tour: Errington
Nanaimo
Seminar 12 President: W. Markel, Langley District
Fort St. John, B.C. 1st Vice President: F.Hubbick, Delta
14/15/16/17 Sept. 1987 2nd Vice President: P.Brooks, Port Coquitlam
Secretary: S. Moore, Qualicum Beach
Treasurer: J. Scott, Kamloops
Seminar Subjects: Teaching the Adult Learner
Public Speaking for the Fire Fighter
Ropes & Rescue
Auto Extrication
Foam Demonstration
Training Programs & Records
Municipal Airport Firefighting
N.F.P.A. Update on S.C.B.A.
Open Forum
Seminar 13 President:S, Moore, Qualicum Beach
Peachland, B.C. 1st Vice President: F.Hubbick, Delta
12/13/14/15 Sept. 1988 2nd Vice President: L.Lundrigan, Campbell River
Secretary: B. Dundas, Langley City
Treasurer: J. Scott, Kamloops
Seminar Subjects: International Fire Service Training Update
Wildland Firefighting Interface
Risk Management for Training Officers
Workshops: Gas Detection Devices
Chemical Suit Orientation
Hazardous Incident Response
Wildland Ground Fire Tactics
Air Tanker Operations
Hazmat Spill Response
Syndicate Tours: R.R. Emergency Response
Petroleum Industry Emergency
Hazmat Vehicle, Kelowna
Decontamination Systems
Hazardous Materials, I.F.S.T.A.
Forest Service Evolutions: Ground Tactics
Rapattack
Air Tanker Ops.
Notes of Interest: Special Address by Mr. Gene Carlson
Editor, I.F.S.T.A. Publications
B.C. Forest Service Participation in Practical Evolutions
Seminar 14 President: S, Moore, Qualicum Beach
Cowichan Bay, B.C. 1st Vice President: F.Hubbick, Delta
11/12/13/14 Sept. 1989 2nd Vice President: P.Fyfe, Chemainus
Secretary: D. Auty, Kelowna
Treasurer: J. Scott, Kamloops
Seminar Subjects: "The Incident Command System"
Meet the Fire Academy
Mobile Lung Testing
Critical Incident Stress
Audio Visual Aids for the Trainer
Workshops: First Responder First Aid
Guidelines for Safety Officer
Incident Command Flow Chart
Computer Programs & Records
Incident Command Workbook
Liaison Officer Clinic
Practical Day Evolutions:
Live Scenarios: Dangerous Goods
Tanker & Car Fire
Mock Tank Farm Fire
Multi-Station Burns
Items of Interest: Chevron Canada Participation in PracticalEvolutions
Special Address by M.L.A. Graham Bruce, Cowichan/Malahat
Seminar 15 President:F. Hubbick, Delta
Mission, B.C. 1st Vice President: T.Metcalfe, Langley Township
10/11/12/13 Sept. 1990 2nd Vice President: P.Fyfe, Chemainus
Secretary: D. Auty, Kelowna
Treasurer: J. Scott, Kamloops
Seminar Subjects: "Safety in Training"
Motivation
Safety & Firefighting
Workshops: Heavy Urban Rescue
Training Simulations (Safety)
Emergency Driving
Hazmat Decontamination (N.F.P.A.)
Practical: Plug Leak/Seal Bags / Vetter Bags
Flaring
Capping/Decontamination
Dry Chemical Extinguishers
Propane/Pressure Vessel
Smoke House
Confined Space Rescue
Items of Interest: Fire Chief Bruce Hall is Chief of the MissionHost Department During the 15th Anniversary. Chief Hall has been withthe Association since.
Seminar 16President: F. Hubbick, Delta
Nanimo, B.C. 1st Vice President: T. Metcalfe,Langley Township
8/9/10/11 Sept. 1991 2nd Vice President: J.Haughton, Kamloops
Secretary: S. Moore, Qualicum Beach
Treasurer: J. Scott, Kamloops
Seminar Subjects: "Training for Fire Ground Safety"
S.C.B.A. Standards Committee
Passport Accountability
High Temperature Accelerants
Workshops: First Responder First Aid
Rec Cross/Emergency Prep.
Firefighting on Coastal Vessles
Infection Contraol at Emerg. Scene
Practical: High Angle Rescue
Confined Space Rescue
Motor Vehicle Accidents
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Propane Cannons
Vehicle Air Bag Risks
Items of Interest: Host Chief Ray Digby was a previousVice-President of this association.
First award of "Trainer of the Year" to Terry Metcalfeof Langley Township, also the Association’s 1st Vice-President.
Seminar 17 President: F. Hubbick, Delta
Fort Nelson, B.C. 1st Vice President: R.Olson, West Vancouver
14/15/16/17 Sept. 1992 2nd Vice President: J.Haughton, Kamloops
Secretary: T. Metcalfe, Langley Township
Treasurer: J. Scott, Kamloops
Seminar Subjects: "Training for InteragencyCooperation"
Motivation
Future of the F.T.O.A.B.C.
Workshops: High Angle Rescue
Selection of Firefighters
Positive Pressure Ventilation
Aircraft Rescue
Scenario Development/Checklists
Small Department Communications
Worker’s Compensation Board
Wildland Urban Interface
First Responder Update
Passport Accountability Update
Practical: Multi-Agency Scenario Ft.
Nelson Airport Training Ground
Items of Interest: Cool Practical Day
50th Anniversary of the Alaska Highway
Great Banquet Night Entertainment
True Northern Hospitably
Seminar 18 President: F. Hubbick, Delta
Kamoops, B.C. 1st Vice President: R. Olson,West Vancouver
13/14/15/16 Sept. 1993 2nd Vice President: J.Haughton, Kamloops
Secretary: T. Metcalfe, Langley Township
Treasurer: J. Scott, Kamloops
Preparing Your Defense
Seminar Subjects: Ethics in the Fire Service
Trial Preparation
Risks Facing the Fire Service from an Insurance Perspective
Environmental Concerns
Using at 52 Week Training Schedule
Driver Training and Volunteer Recruiting
Demonstrations: Hazmat Demo by Weyerhauser
Class A Foam Demo
Driver Training by the BC Safety Council
Technical Rescue Demo
Auto Extrication Demo
Items of Interest: Of particular note is the change to a Maydate for the 1994 conference. This was done to better coincide with the annualBC Fire Chiefs’ Convention. If resolutions passed at the BCFTOA conferenceinvolved the Chiefs’ Association, then they would have the opportunity toreview them at their conference.
The Fire Service Training Achievement Award was presented toDoug Buchholz, the volunteer FTO with the Vernon F.D., and Leo Le Cavalier,Deputy Fire Chief and T.O. with Coldsteam Volunteer Fire Department. Both Dougand Leo are key members of the North Okanagan Training Centre and spearhead theprograms and activities on site.
Seminar 19 President: F. Hubbick, Delta
Gibsons, B.C. 1st Vice President: P.Grootendorst, Maple Ridge
29,30,31 May,1,2 Sept. 1993 2nd VicePresident: J. Haughton, Kamloops
Secretary: T. Metcalfe, Langley Township
Treasurer: Bob Cannon
Industry & Emergency Services Working Together
Seminar Subjects: Updates of Fire Academy Programs
Updates of the First Responder Program
Formulating Operational Guidelines
Stress Management
Coping with Small Vessel Fires
Helicopter Safety
Scenario training Hints and Guidelines
Instructional Techniques
Electrical Safety
Further Development of Training Officers
Using Video Cameras for Training
Crane Rescue
Confined Space Rescue
Using Compressed Air Foam Systems
Hazmat Awareness
Propane Safety and Propane Fires
Items of Interest: The Fire Service Training Achievement Awardwas presented to Larry Hooge, the Chief’s Aide Training with the Abbotsford-MatsquiFire Department.
Seminar 20 President:F. Hubbick, Delta
Castlegar, B.C. 1st Vice President: P.Grootendorst, Maple Ridge
28,29, 30,31 May,1June. 1994 2nd VicePresident: Richard Wudrich, Kelowna
Secretary: T. Metcalfe, Langley Township
Treasurer: Bob Cannon
Preparing Your Defense
Seminar Subjects: Fireground Safety
Peer Counseling
Hazmat scenarios on Road and Rail at the Cominco Smelter
Demonstration of the Forest Fire Simulator Trainer at SelkirkCollege
Mutual Aid demonstration by Castlegar, Terry’s Landing andRobson Fire Departments.
Discussion of mutual aid
Discussion of the new IFSTA curriculum package
Demonstration of the Firefighting capabilities of the IFEXsystem
Items of Interest: The Fire Service Training Achievement Awardwas presented to Dennis Montgomery, Chief of the Mackenzie Fire Department. Ofparticular note was the presentation by Paul Smith, from the Fire Academy of theJIBC, of the Directors Award of 1994 to Fred Hubbick.
Seminar 21 President: P. Grootendorst, Maple Ridge
Kelowna, B.C. 1st Vice President: Kim McLean
26, 27, 28,29, 30 May. 1996 2nd VicePresident: Dennis Montgomery
Secretary: T. Metcalfe, Langley Township
Treasurer: Bob Cannon
Beyond The Year 2000
Seminar Subjects: Critical Incident Stress and Post-TraumaticStress Disorder
Fire Department and Firefighter Liabilities
Urban Search and Rescue
Rope Rescue
Training and financing
Instructional Techniques
Firefighter Fitness and Testing
Open forum regarding BC Firefighter Certification
Explanation of the FSCA Standards and Curriculum Committee
Items of Interest: The Fire Service Training Achievement Awardwas presented to Gary Caulder from North Vancouver District Fire Services andChris Caldwell from Sechelt Fire Department.
Seminar 22 President: P. Grootendorst, Maple Ridge
Richmond, B.C. 1st Vice President: Kim McLean
25, 26, 27, 28, 29 May. 1997 2nd VicePresident: Dennis Montgomery
Secretary: T. Metcalfe, Langley Township
Treasurer: Bob Cannon
Towards 2000 – A New Direction
Seminar Subjects: Perking up Presentations
Accident Investigation
Training in Context
Water Rescue
Forcible Entry
Fire Pumps & Field Tests
Confined Space Awareness & Building Construction
Fire Fighter Health Hazards
Electrical Hazards
Driver Training for FireFighters
Instructional Techniques
Propane Props
Automotive Lockouts
Automotive Anatomy
Items of Interest: 1997 marked the first year since theinception of the Fire Service Training Achievement Award that it was notpresented at the annual banquet. In a more positive note, this year’sconference marked the first time that certification courses were offered to thedelegates: these were a DRIVE SMART seminar and a two day INSTRUCTIONALTEHCNIQUES course that will satisfy the requirements for the Fire Academy’sTraining Officer 1 program.
Seminar 23 President: Dennis Montgomery
Mackenzie, B.C. 1st Vice President: KimMcLean
24, 25, 26, 27, 28 May. 1998 2nd VicePresident: Bruce Dundas
Secretary: T. Metcalfe, Langley Township
Treasurer: Bob Cannon
Northern Exposure – Municipal & Industry a Cooperation inTraining
Seminar Subjects: Fire Service Instructor 1
School Bus Evacuation & Rescue
B.C. Hydro Confined Space Trailer
B. C. Gas Safety Training
ERT Response Planning
Industrial Rescue Techniques
JI Fire Academy Presentation
Items of Interest: The Fire Service Training Achievement Awardwas presented jointly to Jim Bond from Surrey and Gary Caldwell from NorthVancouver District.Seminar 24 President: Kim McLean Cominco
Nelson, B.C. 1st Vice President: Bruce DundasCity of Langley
30, 31 May June 1, 2,3 1999 2nd VicePresident: Simon Grypma Nelson
Secretary: Dave Palmer, Langley Township
Treasurer: Bob Cannon
Main Idea of Seminar.
Seminar Subjects: Fire Service Instructor 1
Other ideas
Items of Interest: The Fire Service Training Achievement Awardwas not presented this year.Seminar 25 President: Kim McLean Cominco
Port Alberni, B.C. 1st Vice President: BruceDundas City of Langley
28, 29 30, 31 May, 1 June 20002nd VicePresident: Simon Grypma Nelson
Secretary: Dave Palmer, Langley Township
Treasurer: Bob Cannon
Co-Operation in Training .
Seminar Subjects: Fire Service Instructor 1
Other stuff
Items of Interest: The Fire Service Training Achievement Awardwas presented to Dave Palmer from the Township of Langley.
| President: | Kim McLean |
| 1st Vice: | Bruce Dundas |
| 2nd Vice: | Simon Grypma |
| Treasurer: | Bob Cannon |
| Secretary: | Dave Palmer |
| President: | Kim McLean |
| 1st Vice: | Bruce Dundas |
| 2nd Vice: | Simon Grypma |
| Treasurer: | Bob Cannon |
| Secretary: | Dave Palmer |
Courses Offered:
Besides the array of “social” activities, we are offering you the following two-day “certificate” training courses:
- Fire Service Instructor II (Dennis Montgomery) (for all of those who took FSI I – last year – here’s your opportunity – don’t miss out)
- Introduction to Fire Investigation (OFC)
- Public Education (Rita Paine) Not a certificate course
- Live Fire Technician(Bob Gordon) (more info to follow soon)
The following are one day (hands on) courses:
- Incident Safety Officer (Dean Larivee)
- Rit Teams (Howard Exner,Hugh Kelsey)
- Pumps & Pumping (Hub Fire Engines)
- Ventilation-positive pressure, hydraulic
- Thermal Imaging Camera searches vs. other methods
- Dealing with dust explosions ( with hands on demo)
- Power Point Presentations (Bruce Dundas)
- Fire Service Instructor I update(Dave Palmer)
| President: | Bruce Dundas | Elected |
| 1st Vice: | Simon Grypma | Elected for 1 year |
| 2nd Vice: | Dave Palmer | Elected |
| Treasurer: | Bob Cannon | Elected |
| Secretary: | Trent Shields | Elected for 1 year |
| President: | Bruce Dundas |
| 1st Vice: | Simon Grypma |
| 2nd Vice: | Dave Palmer |
| Treasurer: | Bob Cannon |
| Secretary: | Trent Shields |
Seminar #30 - Whistler
| President: | Bruce Dundas | Elected by Acclamation |
| 1st Vice: | Simon Grypma | |
| 2nd Vice: | Dave Palmer | Elected by Acclamation |
| Treasurer: | Bob Cannon | Elected by Acclamation |
| Secretary: | Trent Shields |
Seminar #31 - Prince George
| President: | Bruce Dundas | |
| 1st Vice: | Simon Grypma | Elected by Acclamation |
| 2nd Vice: | Dave Palmer | |
| Treasurer: | Bob Cannon | |
| Secretary: | Trent Shields | Elected by Acclamation |
Seminar organizers - Dave McGleish PG Fire(retired), and Earl Steele CTO PG Fire
Course Offerings:
FSI 1, Ji Evaluator, S100, Emergency Vehicle Operations, Power Point, High-rise Firefighting, Introiduction to Training Officer, ESTC Overview...etc.
| President: | Dave Palmer | By Acclaimation |
| 1st Vice: | Trent Shields | Elected |
| 2nd Vice: | Jamie Holmes | Elected |
| Treasurer: | Bob Cannon | Acclaimation |
| Secretary: | Roger Knorr | Elected |
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