Testimonials

Since the program started many students from all over the country have taken our courses. Students from large cities such as Toronto, London and Hamilton to medium cities such as Barrie, Ajax, and Pickering and to small towns such as, Longlac, Fort Erie and Keswick, Inuvik, Yellowknife and Iqaluit have taken part in our programs. We have large departments such as the St John’s Regional Fire Department, NL, the Saint John Fire Depart, NB and the Halifax Regional Municipality, NS who enrol more than 15 students per term. Here is what some of those students have had to say about our programs.

"The Certificate in Fire Service Administration provides the student with an excellent opportunity to not only learn but also to look critically at the issues that face today's Fire Officer, whether Captain, Chief or future Chief Officer. Our Department feels that the cross section of courses from Fire Suppression and Prevention Management through Strategic Planning, and Municipal Government and Service Delivery greatly compliments our Chief Officer Development Program within the Department. The combination of this affordable Dalhousie University program and our hands on chief officer work experience program is a great contribution to our succession planning efforts. I very much enjoyed the program and the opportunity to network with instructors and fellow students from across Canada."

Chief Brian Bentley
Saskatoon Fire Dept.
Graduate of the CFSA Program

"The CFSL program provides much needed management style education at the company officer level. The material is timely and immediately applicable. I would strongly recommend this program to anyone at, or aspiring to be at, the company officer level in fire and emergency services. The CFSA program continues where the CFSL ends. This program expands upon the knowledge gained in the CFSL as it focuses on management level issues that are critical for the effective chief officer to know and understand. Both the CFSL and CFSA are well presented and organized. Perhaps the most enjoyable aspect of the content of all the programs is that it is immediately applicable in the day to day duties of a fire and emergency services."

Deputy Chief Matthew Pegg
Ajax Fire dept.
Graduate of CFSL, current CFSA student

"Having completed my certificates in Fire Service Leadership and Fire Service Administration through Dalhousie University, I have found this training to be very beneficial in my career. My experience in the Fie Service has convinced me that in order to become a fully professional fire protection specialist it is necessary to re-think the old methodologies. When counselling or directing our officers I stress the need for comprehensive training, including leadership and administration skills so they may develop the expertise required to manage the modern fire services."

Cindy Payne
Deputy Chief
MD of Rocky View Fire Dept.
Graduate of both the CFSL and CFSA

"This course was useful in showing me what is needed to be a better officer. The course assignments really makes you think and re-think on how you can adapt what you learn, to be able to put it into practice in your own fire dept."

Captain Donald Laffoley
Bathurst Fire Dept.
Current CFSL student

"I feel that today's fire service is a dynamic institution comprised of higher educated individuals, who are responsible for providing a multi-facetted emergency service to a more discerning public. The education, which I am obtaining from participating in the certificate programs, is making me more aware of the intricacies of being a leader in that kind of situation, and will make me a better fire officer for it. The various subjects covered are completely relevant to today's changing fire service and are worthy of consideration by potential and current fire officers."

Jerry Peach
St. John's Nfld Fire Dept.
Graduate of the CFSL, current student of the CFSA

"The invaluable learning experience of the Certificate in Fire Service Administration has: enhanced my critical thinking skills, broadened my capacity for strategic leadership, aided me in developing the much-needed discipline for managing fire services. I would recommend this program of study to any forward thinking success-oriented individuals."

Firefighter John O'Neille
Saint John Fire Dept.
Graduate of CFSL and CFSA