Article posted on January 2, 2025
Another successful year at the Alberta Fire Training Conference
The MFR team attended the Alberta Fire Training Conference (AFTC) held at Lethbridge this past October 17-19 and had the opportunity to meet with various MFR agencies from across the province.
“There were 93 attendees this year between the HOT (live fire) training and the lectures,” said Kaley Dick, AFTC president, adding there were also 23 vendors at the trade show portion of the event.
The trade show allows firefighters and medical first responders to check out new gear, tools, equipment and gadgets that improve performance and safety. The MFR team also had a booth featuring a fun trivia game to test medical knowledge, as well a draw for a fully stocked MFR bag. All three of the MFR strategist team – Brigitte Calder, John Hein and Sheri Monk - were in attendance to meet with first responders and answer any questions about the program.
Above, from left: MFR strategists John Hein, Sheri Monk and Brigitte Calder at the 2024 Alberta Fire Training Conference.
“Hosting a booth at the Lethbridge Fire Training Conference was once again a dynamic and rewarding experience. The conference provides a unique platform for our team to engage in meaningful conversations with fire agencies and build on connections that reinforce our shared commitment to caring for our communities,” said Brigitte Calder, MFR strategist. “I am already looking forward to next year’s conference.”
Every year the conference features a silent auction in support of firefighters or their families.
“This year, we donated $3,500 to firefighter Susan Dahl. Firefighter Dahl joined Vulcan County’s Station 21 - Carmangay Fire - in July 2002 where she served as chief and has been an active member of the community for the past 22 years. Recently she had been diagnosed with cancer and began treatments, but even while battling cancer Sue has remained active member of the department,” said Dick.
Planning for the 2025 rendition of the AFTC is well underway and the MFR team will be on-site throughout the trade show portion of the event.
“2025 is shaping up to be an incredible year, as our 20th anniversary we have some big speakers and HOT training in the works,” said Dick, adding that Mike Gagliano of the Seattle Fire Department will be the keynote speaker and podcaster Grant Schwalbe of the Estero Fire Rescue service in Florida will be part of the HOT portion of the event.
If you have suggestions for engagement activities at the MFR booth, please email mfr@ahs.ca. For more information on the conference, please visit the Alberta Fire Training Conference website.
Above: Adolf Friesen of Bow Island Fire Department (left) accepts a fully stocked MFR kit from strategists John Hein and Brigitte Calder.
Last Updated: Thursday, January 02, 2025