FCABC Conference
& Education Summit
About the Conference
The FCABC Annual Conference and Education Summit is a gathering of Fire Chief Officers from across BC to network and gain knowledge to better equip them in their position. This conference offers a mix of association business, networking and over 30 educational sessions during the week. The FCABC Conference is a cost and time efficient …
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Angus recently retired from professional football after playing 13 years for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. The Richmond Born native who went to Vancouver College before attending Simon Fraser University played in 200 professional games placing him in the top 5 all time for games played by a BC Lion. Throughout his career, Angus has been a 3-time all-star, 2-time Grey Cup Champion and 5-time team captain.
Today, Angus travels North America speaking with companies, schools, and teams about what it really takes to make it and win. He has done two successful TEDx talks, “Why We Need High School Football” and “Mastering the Skill of Trust” which have garnered him both praise and respect and has just recently released his first book - Thank You, Coach - which immediately became an Amazon bestseller.
Angus recently retired from professional football after playing 13 years for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. The Richmond Born native who went to Vancouver College before attending Simon Fraser University played in 200 professional games placing him in the top 5 all time for games played by a BC Lion. Throughout his career, Angus has been a 3-time all-star, 2-time Grey Cup Champion and 5-time team captain.
Today, Angus travels North America speaking with companies, schools, and teams about what it really takes to make it and win. He has done two successful TEDx talks, “Why We Need High School Football” and “Mastering the Skill of Trust” which have garnered him both praise and respect and has just recently released his first book - Thank You, Coach - which immediately became an Amazon bestseller.
Jason Gardner is a former U.S. Navy SEAL, combat leader, and now a leadership instructor and speaker with Echelon Front. Jason spent nearly three decades in the SEAL Teams with nine deployments across the globe. With experience operating in violent cities in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Jason has seen first-hand the power of the leadership lessons taught at Echelon Front. He brings perspective from every level of leadership from a front line SEAL sniper to the SEAL Team FIVE Command Master Chief .
As the Command Master Chief of Naval Special Warfare Group One Training Detachment, he created and implemented realistic and challenging special operations combat training to better prepare SEAL units for the real-world battlefield. Throughout his career, he worked alongside Jocko, Leif, and several members of the Echelon Front team developing the same principles and mindsets taught to companies across every industry. He is the recipient of the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and numerous other awards.
After his retirement from the US Navy, Jason brings unmatched experience with combat leadership in dynamic environments, building winning teams, and developing relationships across all levels of an organization. He serves as a leadership instructor, speaker, and strategic advisor at Echelon Front.
Jason Gardner is a former U.S. Navy SEAL, combat leader, and now a leadership instructor and speaker with Echelon Front. Jason spent nearly three decades in the SEAL Teams with nine deployments across the globe. With experience operating in violent cities in both Iraq and Afghanistan, Jason has seen first-hand the power of the leadership lessons taught at Echelon Front. He brings perspective from every level of leadership from a front line SEAL sniper to the SEAL Team FIVE Command Master Chief .
As the Command Master Chief of Naval Special Warfare Group One Training Detachment, he created and implemented realistic and challenging special operations combat training to better prepare SEAL units for the real-world battlefield. Throughout his career, he worked alongside Jocko, Leif, and several members of the Echelon Front team developing the same principles and mindsets taught to companies across every industry. He is the recipient of the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, a Purple Heart and numerous other awards.
After his retirement from the US Navy, Jason brings unmatched experience with combat leadership in dynamic environments, building winning teams, and developing relationships across all levels of an organization. He serves as a leadership instructor, speaker, and strategic advisor at Echelon Front.
Rick Thomas, EdD., has worked within the municipal government as Manager of People and Organization Development at the City of Richmond and has developed and instructed courses at the Justice Institute of BC in the Fire & Safety Services Division as well as in the Centre for Leadership. He has presented at numerous conferences, the most recent being a virtual conference for a large Canadian Insurance company, the Organization Development Network, and the BC Health Leaders Conference. He has presented in Canada, the US and the UK, and has enjoyed the opportunity of presenting the topic of Joy at Work, at TEDx JIBC.
Rick Thomas, EdD., has worked within the municipal government as Manager of People and Organization Development at the City of Richmond and has developed and instructed courses at the Justice Institute of BC in the Fire & Safety Services Division as well as in the Centre for Leadership. He has presented at numerous conferences, the most recent being a virtual conference for a large Canadian Insurance company, the Organization Development Network, and the BC Health Leaders Conference. He has presented in Canada, the US and the UK, and has enjoyed the opportunity of presenting the topic of Joy at Work, at TEDx JIBC.
Arjuna George is a trauma-informed resilience coach and TRE® Provider specializing in performance coaching for burnout prevention and recovery for Fire Chiefs and fire leaders. Arjuna retired in 2021 as Fire Chief (Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue) after 24 years of service. Arjuna is a certified professional coach specializing in Fire Chief/Officer Stress Mastery & Resilience. He has helped Fire Chiefs and Officers across the country be emotionally intelligent leaders. He is a family man, entrepreneur, author, and retired fire chief with a passion for helping others lead healthier and happier lives. He is now the principal owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, specializing in Fire Chief coaching and training. Arjuna graduated from Royal Roads University in 2022 with a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching. Arjuna is a regular contributor for Canadian Firefighter magazine, Firefighting in Canada and is the author of Burnt Around the Edges, A guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout.
Arjuna George is a trauma-informed resilience coach and TRE® Provider specializing in performance coaching for burnout prevention and recovery for Fire Chiefs and fire leaders. Arjuna retired in 2021 as Fire Chief (Salt Spring Island Fire Rescue) after 24 years of service. Arjuna is a certified professional coach specializing in Fire Chief/Officer Stress Mastery & Resilience. He has helped Fire Chiefs and Officers across the country be emotionally intelligent leaders. He is a family man, entrepreneur, author, and retired fire chief with a passion for helping others lead healthier and happier lives. He is now the principal owner of Silver Arrow Coaching and Consulting, specializing in Fire Chief coaching and training. Arjuna graduated from Royal Roads University in 2022 with a Graduate Certificate in Executive Coaching. Arjuna is a regular contributor for Canadian Firefighter magazine, Firefighting in Canada and is the author of Burnt Around the Edges, A guide to Mastering Stress and Surviving Burnout.
Tim is a retired fire chief and CAO, former president, and honorary life member of the FCABC. In 2021 Tim formed the consulting firm Tim Pley & Associates Ltd, working closely with Dave Mitchell & Associates. Tim and his wife Laurie live in Port Alberni.
Tim is a retired fire chief and CAO, former president, and honorary life member of the FCABC. In 2021 Tim formed the consulting firm Tim Pley & Associates Ltd, working closely with Dave Mitchell & Associates. Tim and his wife Laurie live in Port Alberni.
Shelley is the founder and president of SeeShell Consulting, as well as the International Coach Coalition. SeeShell Consulting provides career and executive coaching and consulting services in the areas of business development, leadership, and change management, among other areas, to individuals and organizations.
She empowers her clients to approach their personal and professional lives courageously, rise to their highest potential, and feel seen, heard, and understood through a genuine interest in their stories and objectives. Through the coaching partnership, she inspires her clients to make the impossible, possible.
Shelley is a Certified Executive Coach (CEC) through Royal Roads University (RRU), a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the ICF, with more than twenty years experience in career coaching, leadership, and business development. She focuses on career advancement and transition coaching, whether that means moving up through an organization, changing careers, or working through job disruption, loss, or early retirement, and helping clients find the best path to their next journey.
At Shelley’s core, she is passionate about helping people realize their potential, empowering organizations and teams to create supportive learning and employment cultures and building collaborative relationships. Her mission is to inspire leaders and institutions to create authentic professional connections and corporate practices that allow employees and organizations to thrive, grow, and move forward with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
Shelley is the founder and president of SeeShell Consulting, as well as the International Coach Coalition. SeeShell Consulting provides career and executive coaching and consulting services in the areas of business development, leadership, and change management, among other areas, to individuals and organizations.
She empowers her clients to approach their personal and professional lives courageously, rise to their highest potential, and feel seen, heard, and understood through a genuine interest in their stories and objectives. Through the coaching partnership, she inspires her clients to make the impossible, possible.
Shelley is a Certified Executive Coach (CEC) through Royal Roads University (RRU), a member of the International Coaching Federation (ICF), and an Associate Certified Coach (ACC) through the ICF, with more than twenty years experience in career coaching, leadership, and business development. She focuses on career advancement and transition coaching, whether that means moving up through an organization, changing careers, or working through job disruption, loss, or early retirement, and helping clients find the best path to their next journey.
At Shelley’s core, she is passionate about helping people realize their potential, empowering organizations and teams to create supportive learning and employment cultures and building collaborative relationships. Her mission is to inspire leaders and institutions to create authentic professional connections and corporate practices that allow employees and organizations to thrive, grow, and move forward with purpose, clarity, and confidence.
Les Karpluk has 4 decades in the fire service. He was with the Prince Albert Fire Department for 32 years, consulting for fire service strategic and master plans, leadership seminars and Fire Chief for Parks Canada in Waskesiu, SK, since 2018.
Les Karpluk has 4 decades in the fire service. He was with the Prince Albert Fire Department for 32 years, consulting for fire service strategic and master plans, leadership seminars and Fire Chief for Parks Canada in Waskesiu, SK, since 2018.
Ron is the Superintendent of Fire Services with the responsibility of managing BCWS Structure Protection and Defense program. Prior to filling this role, he held the role as Deputy Fire Commissioner, after retiring in 2015 from Central Saanich Fire dept. as Fire Chief/Emergency Coordinator.
Away from work, Ron enjoys time spent travelling, lake time camping with his family.
Ron is the Superintendent of Fire Services with the responsibility of managing BCWS Structure Protection and Defense program. Prior to filling this role, he held the role as Deputy Fire Commissioner, after retiring in 2015 from Central Saanich Fire dept. as Fire Chief/Emergency Coordinator.
Away from work, Ron enjoys time spent travelling, lake time camping with his family.
Fire Commissioner for the Province of BC
Fire Commissioner for the Province of BC
Brian Hutchinson began his fire service with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services, moving to the District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services in 2015 as Assistant Fire Chief – Operations, promoting to Fire Chief in 2018. As Fire Chief he leads 140 members and oversees an operating budget of more than $21 million dollars. Brian serves as a Peer Mentor with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs in the ECFO (Executive Chief Fire Officer) program, and a Peer Reviewer with the Center for Professional Credentialling.
Brian Hutchinson began his fire service with Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services, moving to the District of North Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services in 2015 as Assistant Fire Chief – Operations, promoting to Fire Chief in 2018. As Fire Chief he leads 140 members and oversees an operating budget of more than $21 million dollars. Brian serves as a Peer Mentor with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs in the ECFO (Executive Chief Fire Officer) program, and a Peer Reviewer with the Center for Professional Credentialling.
Ken Uzeloc is the new Fire Chief for the City of Kamloops starting the position in August of 2022. Ken has 35 years in the fire service starting out as a volunteer in Warfield, BC and then spending 32 ½ years with Calgary Fire. Ken was an active member of several specialty teams including aquatics, high angle, and hazardous materials. He then moved into the role as a hazardous materials officer specializing in terrorism response and teaching emergency services across Canada as part of the Public Safety Canada National terrorism program. After 18 years, Ken moved into management starting as an assistant deputy chief and spending his last 14 years in Calgary as a deputy chief. In that role, he worked in all portfolios at Calgary Fire including as executive officer to the fire chief which led to being interim chief and director of emergency management in 2014 when the chief retired.
Ken Uzeloc is the new Fire Chief for the City of Kamloops starting the position in August of 2022. Ken has 35 years in the fire service starting out as a volunteer in Warfield, BC and then spending 32 ½ years with Calgary Fire. Ken was an active member of several specialty teams including aquatics, high angle, and hazardous materials. He then moved into the role as a hazardous materials officer specializing in terrorism response and teaching emergency services across Canada as part of the Public Safety Canada National terrorism program. After 18 years, Ken moved into management starting as an assistant deputy chief and spending his last 14 years in Calgary as a deputy chief. In that role, he worked in all portfolios at Calgary Fire including as executive officer to the fire chief which led to being interim chief and director of emergency management in 2014 when the chief retired.
Monty Armstrong is the Acting Deputy Chief – Public Safety/Training & Professional Development with the District of North Vancouver. Monty has worked in and with fire service organizations as a firefighter, public educator, trainer, and executive chief officer in BC, Alberta and Ontario. Monty continues to work wityhing the Accredation Program in brining continous improvement processes and culture to organizations. He has developed and instructed courses at the Justice Institute of BC, Fire and Safety Division, as well as with Grand Canyon University at the Master's Level. He is an advocate for continuous improvement and using data to support outcomes and excellence in fire service delivery
Monty Armstrong is the Acting Deputy Chief – Public Safety/Training & Professional Development with the District of North Vancouver. Monty has worked in and with fire service organizations as a firefighter, public educator, trainer, and executive chief officer in BC, Alberta and Ontario. Monty continues to work wityhing the Accredation Program in brining continous improvement processes and culture to organizations. He has developed and instructed courses at the Justice Institute of BC, Fire and Safety Division, as well as with Grand Canyon University at the Master's Level. He is an advocate for continuous improvement and using data to support outcomes and excellence in fire service delivery
Eric is the director of Progressive Fire Solutions, a training and consulting company that specializes in special operations and disaster response including trench rescue, structural collapse, and incident management. Eric has worked in special operations with Vancouver Fire Rescue for more than 16 years, and is currently the Captain of Operations for CANTF1 HUSAR. Eric has worked in roles at technical rescue incidents ranging from rescue to task force leader. Eric has taught most technical rescue disciplines for various schools and companies over the past decade and is a principal committee member on NFPA 1670, 1402, and 1403.
Eric is the director of Progressive Fire Solutions, a training and consulting company that specializes in special operations and disaster response including trench rescue, structural collapse, and incident management. Eric has worked in special operations with Vancouver Fire Rescue for more than 16 years, and is currently the Captain of Operations for CANTF1 HUSAR. Eric has worked in roles at technical rescue incidents ranging from rescue to task force leader. Eric has taught most technical rescue disciplines for various schools and companies over the past decade and is a principal committee member on NFPA 1670, 1402, and 1403.
Joel Hamilton is the FireSmart Home Partners Program (HPP) Provincial Coordinator with FireSmart BC and the Fire Chiefs Association of BC (FCABC). Joel’s background in emergency management and response include work for Parks Canada within the Fire Management Branch, service on type-1 National Incident Management Teams (NIMT), volunteer fire departments, search and rescue, Regional Emergency Operation Centres (EOC), and overseeing the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s (RDCK) wildfire mitigation and forest fuels program.
In his role with FireSmart BC and the FCABC, Joel provides project management and coordination to the FireSmart HPP, supporting local government and First Nations implement FireSmart programs and practices within their regions. He provides First Nationals and local authorities with the appropriate training, strategies and customizable engagement assets to create more resilient communities and foster long term behavioral changes for their residents.
Joel Hamilton is the FireSmart Home Partners Program (HPP) Provincial Coordinator with FireSmart BC and the Fire Chiefs Association of BC (FCABC). Joel’s background in emergency management and response include work for Parks Canada within the Fire Management Branch, service on type-1 National Incident Management Teams (NIMT), volunteer fire departments, search and rescue, Regional Emergency Operation Centres (EOC), and overseeing the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s (RDCK) wildfire mitigation and forest fuels program.
In his role with FireSmart BC and the FCABC, Joel provides project management and coordination to the FireSmart HPP, supporting local government and First Nations implement FireSmart programs and practices within their regions. He provides First Nationals and local authorities with the appropriate training, strategies and customizable engagement assets to create more resilient communities and foster long term behavioral changes for their residents.
Laura King is the NFPA regional director for Canada.
Laura King is the NFPA regional director for Canada.
Mike Roberts has over 30 years of experience in various areas in local government. Currently as the CEO of the BC Municipal Safety Association, Mike drives the mission, vision, operations, and engagement with the BCMSA board of directors. He is responsible for running all facets of the association’s business which includes bringing strategic plans into action, building strong teams, relationships and partnerships, providing industry leadership across all streams of business, and delivering high quality occupational health and safety programs, resources, and services to local government workers across British Columbia. Mike has a passion of helping others in Occupational Health and Safety particularly in the field of mental health.
Mike Roberts has over 30 years of experience in various areas in local government. Currently as the CEO of the BC Municipal Safety Association, Mike drives the mission, vision, operations, and engagement with the BCMSA board of directors. He is responsible for running all facets of the association’s business which includes bringing strategic plans into action, building strong teams, relationships and partnerships, providing industry leadership across all streams of business, and delivering high quality occupational health and safety programs, resources, and services to local government workers across British Columbia. Mike has a passion of helping others in Occupational Health and Safety particularly in the field of mental health.
Matt Johnston has been a registered mental health professional since 2006. He is also a full-time fire fighter in a busy Metro Vancouver fire department. In 2017, he co-founded the Occupational Awareness Training Program as a way to improve first responder access to upstream mental healthcare training and resources. Matt is proud to be part of the BC fire service family and sees the foundation of mental health innovation as being a collaborative effort across all fire-related stakeholder groups.
Matt Johnston has been a registered mental health professional since 2006. He is also a full-time fire fighter in a busy Metro Vancouver fire department. In 2017, he co-founded the Occupational Awareness Training Program as a way to improve first responder access to upstream mental healthcare training and resources. Matt is proud to be part of the BC fire service family and sees the foundation of mental health innovation as being a collaborative effort across all fire-related stakeholder groups.
J. M. Havner is a Battalion Chief with the Seattle Fire Department, currently serving as an
Incident Safety and Health Officer. He has served in numerous roles across his 35+ year career from Emergency Preparedness/Homeland Security Officer, to Tunnel Rescue Team Officer, to Fire Prevention-Special Hazards Unit Leader. His “Canada connection” comes from earning his Master’s Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management at Royal Roads University. These experiences set his approach to preparedness, systems-thinking and iterative improvement, all things we will discuss in his presentation.
J. M. Havner is a Battalion Chief with the Seattle Fire Department, currently serving as an
Incident Safety and Health Officer. He has served in numerous roles across his 35+ year career from Emergency Preparedness/Homeland Security Officer, to Tunnel Rescue Team Officer, to Fire Prevention-Special Hazards Unit Leader. His “Canada connection” comes from earning his Master’s Degree in Disaster and Emergency Management at Royal Roads University. These experiences set his approach to preparedness, systems-thinking and iterative improvement, all things we will discuss in his presentation.
Sponsors!
