Shawn Sweeney (He/Him)

Organizational Profile: Shawn Sweeney

Deputy Chief of Operations & Training

New Tecumseth Fire Rescue

Former Training Coordinator – CAN-TF3 Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR)

Early Adopter of Fire Service Learning Technologies (2003)

Cofounder – Fire Learning Management Systems (FLMS, est. 2009)

🧭 Overview

With over 30 years of progressive fire service leadership across multiple departments, Shawn Sweeney is a nationally respected figure in emergency operations, technical rescue, and firefighter education. As Deputy Chief of Operations & Training for New Tecumseth Fire Rescue, he leads with precision, foresight, and a deep commitment to public safety. His career is defined by high-impact training programs, strategic emergency management, and a culture of continuous improvement.

🚒 Leadership & Responsibilities

• Directs daily operations and training across four fire stations serving 44,000 residents in a 274 km² jurisdiction.

• Manages departmental growth in response to New Tecumseth’s expanding population, ensuring scalable and efficient emergency services.

• Oversees training administration, performance evaluations, and curriculum development for 130 volunteer and career firefighters.

• Leads incident command at major emergencies, coordinating multi-agency resources and tactical response.

• Administers departmental budgets, capital planning, and grant acquisition for equipment and training enhancements.

• Serves as Alternate Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC), supporting municipal emergency preparedness.

• Promotes public safety through initiatives like “Close Before You Doze”, and supports Emergency Control Group training under provincial legislation.

💡 Technology & Innovation Leadership

• Recognized as an early adopter of fire service learning technologies since 2003, championing digital transformation in firefighter education.

• Cofounded Fire Learning Management Systems (FLMS) in 2009, pioneering scalable, data-driven training platforms for Ontario’s fire service.

• Delivered national presentations on eLearning, training site design, and technology-enhanced instruction at OAFC, SCFCAG, and ISFSI conferences.

• Continues to lead innovation in fire service education through adaptive learning models, performance analytics, and curriculum modernization.

🛠 Special Operations & CAN-TF3 Contributions

• Former Training Coordinator for CAN-TF3, Ontario’s elite Heavy Urban Search and Rescue team.

• Designed and delivered advanced curriculum in structural collapse, shoring systems, hazard mitigation, and search and rescue operations.

• Continues to operate at the technician/specialist level in multiple technical rescue disciplines:• Rope rescue

• Confined space rescue

• Swiftwater rescue

• Ice rescue

• Firefighter survival and Rapid Intervention Team (RIT) operations

• Introduced and maintained Toronto City Hall high-angle training program (300’ east tower).

• Advocates for NFPA 1006 and 1500 compliance, emphasizing risk-based decision-making and responder survivability.

🎓 Professional Qualifications

• Firefighter II (FF II)

• Company Officer IV (C/O IV)

• Fire Service Instructor III (FSI III)

• Incident Safety Officer (IFSAC)

• Certified in NFPA 1006, NFPA 1521, NFPA 1670, and NFPA 1041 disciplines

• Additional credentials include:• Live Fire Instructor – ISFSI

• Emergency Response Team Coordinator – MSU

• Structural Collapse Operations – FEMA

• Hazardous Materials Technician

• Nonviolent Crisis Intervention

• O.H.&S. Act Competent Person for Training Supervisors

🌐 Professional Affiliations & Service

Shawn actively contributes to fire service advancement through committee work, conference presentations, and organizational leadership:

• Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) – Member since 2002

• Simcoe County Fire Chiefs Administration Group (SCFCAG) – Member since 2007; HazMat Working Group (7 years)

• Ontario Association of Fire Training Officers (OAFTO) – Member since 2012

• International Society of Fire Service Instructors (ISFSI) – Presenter and credentialed instructor

• Georgian College Pre-Service Committee – Member (6 years)

• Presenter at OAFC, SCFCAG, and ISFSI conferences on topics including search markings, HazMat team development, and learning management systems

• Published author in Firefighting in Canada – “Disposable Rescuers?”

📚 Continued Education & Thought Leadership

• Attended 23 consecutive OAFC Annual Meetings and Education Seminars (AMES), totaling over 115 days of professional development

• Completed advanced leadership training at the University of Toronto

• Delivered lectures at the ISFSI Instructor Development Conference

• Participated in workshops on recruitment, retention, mental health, DEI, NFPA standards, and digital community engagement

🌟 Impact & Recognition

• Led successful grant proposals for equipment upgrades and training resources

• Recognized for life-saving actions during high-risk incidents and disaster responses

• Honored by the Senate Standing Committee on National Security & Defence for HUSAR capabilities demonstrations

• Recipient of Toronto Fire Service Letter of Merit for heroic rescue efforts

• Trusted mentor and strategic advisor, known for his integrity, innovation, and operational excellence