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Why Nova Scotia overhauled firefighter training after audit findings this summer
Province launches firefighter training advisory committee
Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management and Municipal Affairs department has announced the formation of a new Fire Training Advisory Committee on Monday 22 September.
The committee was created after a value-for-money audit identified safety and governance problems at the Nova Scotia Firefighters Training School earlier this summer.
Officials confirmed that the committee consists of 32 members drawn from across the province.
Its members include experienced firefighters, emergency management leaders and representatives from municipal departments.
They have been tasked with designing an interim firefighter training plan covering a wide range of operational skills and safety standards.
Kim Masland, Minister of Emergency Management, said: “The safety of our firefighters and the quality of their training are paramount.”
She added: “The establishment of the committee marks a decisive step toward rebuilding trust, enforcing rigorous safety protocols and enhancing governance to meet and exceed national standards.”
Details of the interim firefighter training plan
The interim plan will include modules on firefighter safety and survival, fire behaviour and suppression techniques, ladders, ventilation, forcible entry and search techniques.
Other areas include personal protective equipment (PPE), self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA), incident command, live fire training and vehicle extrication.
The plan will also cover water supply and fire streams, hazardous materials awareness, communications and emergency vehicle operation.
According to the province, the training will provide consistent access to core courses, standardise delivery methods across the province and support safe entry-level firefighter education.
The programme will also build a collaborative network of trainers and leaders to strengthen regional training capacity.
All courses will adhere to recognised safety standards.
Leadership and collaboration with Mi’kmaw fire chiefs
The committee is led by two co-chairs: Mark Bettens, Chief Director of Cape Breton Regional Fire Service, and Paul Maynard, Director of Client Services at the Department of Emergency Management.
They will be supported by an executive team including Greg Jones, President of the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia, and representatives from regional fire services, the provincial Fire Marshal’s office and occupational health and safety officials.
The committee will also work with Mi’kmaw community fire chiefs to ensure that interim and long-term provincial training plans address their operational needs.
John Lohr, Minister of Municipal Affairs, said: “We all depend on firefighters being ready to respond when we need them.
“For all they do and risk for us, we need to do everything we can to make sure they have the training and support they need to be safe and successful.
“I want to thank everyone involved with this committee for taking on this important duty.”
Greg Jones, President of the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia, said: “The formation of the Nova Scotia Fire Training Advisory Committee and the development of an interim training plan is a vital step forward.
“This will ensure that our fire service personnel receive consistent, effective training that supports their safety and preparedness.”
Wider review of fire services governance
The Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia is leading a separate review into fire services governance.
This review will assess operations, training, communications, funding and related matters.
According to the province, the review is expected to be completed later this autumn.
The advisory committee’s work will contribute to this broader review and inform future provincial decisions on fire service training and governance.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The development of a province-wide firefighter training plan in Nova Scotia is relevant to fire chiefs, training officers and municipal fire departments.
The interim plan establishes a standardised approach to entry-level firefighter education, which will support consistent delivery across regions.
For training officers and instructors, the initiative provides a framework to align programmes with recognised safety standards while ensuring collaboration between local trainers and provincial leadership.
Municipal fire departments are directly supported through consistent access to basic training, which helps maintain firefighter readiness and safety during the transition period.
Engagement with Mi’kmaw fire chiefs also shows the importance of tailoring training frameworks to meet the operational needs of different communities.
Nova Scotia launches firefighter training committee after audit raised safety concerns: Summary
Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management and Municipal Affairs department announced on Monday 22 September the formation of the Fire Training Advisory Committee.
The committee was created after a value-for-money audit identified safety and governance problems at the Nova Scotia Firefighters Training School earlier in the summer.
It consists of 32 members, including fire chiefs, emergency management professionals and occupational safety representatives from across the province.
The committee will design an interim firefighter training plan that covers safety, fire behaviour, equipment use, suppression techniques, incident command, hazardous materials and vehicle extrication.
The plan will standardise basic training delivery across Nova Scotia, build networks of trainers and ensure all courses follow recognised safety standards.
The committee is co-chaired by Mark Bettens of Cape Breton Regional Fire Service and Paul Maynard of the Department of Emergency Management.
Officials confirmed that the group will collaborate with Mi’kmaw community fire chiefs to ensure training meets their needs and supports long-term planning.
A broader review of fire services governance led by the Fire Service Association of Nova Scotia is expected to conclude later this autumn.
This article contains information from the following source: Nova Scotia’s Emergency Management Municipal Affairs
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Thompson Safety expands fire protection services with Kartman Fire acquisition in Philadelphia
Acquisition marks Thompson Safety’s entry into Philadelphia market
Thompson Safety has acquired Kartman Fire, a fire and life safety provider serving Philadelphia and surrounding areas since 1983.
The acquisition represents Thompson Safety’s entry into the Philadelphia market, adding fire protection to the company’s expanding portfolio across the US.
According to Thompson Safety, Kartman Fire’s employees will join its fire division, extending service capacity in the Northeast.
Kartman Fire’s service history and customer base
Kartman Fire has operated for more than four decades, providing tailored fire and life safety solutions to a wide variety of properties.
These include small apartment buildings, high-rise residential communities, warehouses, medical offices, schools, universities and restaurants.
The company’s technicians will now work within Thompson Safety’s fire division to support service delivery in Pennsylvania.
Jonathan Kartman, Chief Executive Officer of Kartman Fire, said: “With Thompson Safety, our employees have the opportunity to be part of a fast-growing fire protection business and not just a dot on the map.
“It also allows us to provide our customers with even greater resources and service offerings while continuing the legacy of care and technical excellence we’ve built over the last 40 years.”
Thompson Safety outlines growth and future services
Through the acquisition, Thompson Safety will offer fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, exit lighting, backflow and monitoring services in Pennsylvania.
The company confirmed this development aligns with its plan to expand full-service fire protection across the country.
Tommy Thompson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Thompson Safety, said: “Kartman Fire has been a trusted name in fire protection and security in Philadelphia for more than four decades.
“We are thrilled to welcome their talented team to Thompson Safety.
“This acquisition strengthens our fire protection division and opens an exciting new market for us in Pennsylvania.
“Together, we will continue delivering exceptional service while giving customers access to both fire protection and safety solutions.”
Strategic milestone for national expansion
Thompson Safety described the acquisition as a milestone in its growth strategy.
The company noted that the move expands its geographic reach and reinforces its focus on building strong local teams.
It added that Kartman Fire’s expertise will allow cross-selling opportunities between fire protection, first aid and safety services.
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
The acquisition of Kartman Fire by Thompson Safety introduces full-service fire protection options to customers in Pennsylvania.
Facility managers in residential, educational, healthcare and commercial sectors will gain access to expanded services including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, suppression equipment and monitoring solutions.
Fire-protection contractors and system installers in the region will see new opportunities for collaboration or subcontracting as Thompson Safety increases its workforce and service scope.
Procurement officers responsible for safety compliance will now be able to source integrated fire protection and safety services from a single provider.
For architects, engineers and consultants involved in building design or refurbishment in Philadelphia and the surrounding area, the presence of a larger fire-protection provider ensures broader technical support for meeting code requirements.
Thompson Safety acquires Kartman Fire in Philadelphia: Summary
Thompson Safety announced the acquisition of Kartman Fire, a Philadelphia-based fire and life safety company established in 1983.
The deal marks Thompson Safety’s entry into the Philadelphia market and expands its fire protection division in the Northeast.
Kartman Fire has provided customised services to property types including apartment buildings, high-rise residential communities, warehouses, medical offices, schools, universities and restaurants.
The company’s technicians will now join Thompson Safety, extending service capacity across Pennsylvania.
Thompson Safety confirmed that through the acquisition it will now provide fire alarm, sprinkler, suppression, exit lighting, backflow and monitoring services.
Jonathan Kartman, Chief Executive Officer of Kartman Fire, said the partnership would expand resources and service offerings while maintaining the company’s legacy of technical excellence.
Tommy Thompson, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Thompson Safety, said the acquisition strengthens the company’s fire protection division and opens a new market in Pennsylvania.
The company noted that the move supports its strategy of building local teams, expanding geographic reach and offering integrated fire and safety solutions across the US.
This article contains information from the following source: Thompson Safety
Why Bartkowski’s fire protection deal with C&E matters in Illinois
Acquisition expands life-safety portfolio
Bartkowski Strategic Contracting has acquired C&E Fire Protection, a commercial and residential fire sprinkler provider based in Woodridge, Illinois.
The company said the acquisition strengthens its portfolio of life-safety solutions for clients.
C&E Fire Protection specialises in the design, installation and inspection of fire sprinkler systems.
Bartkowski stated that these services will be provided by NICET-certified professionals.
Lauren Sustek, President of Bartkowski, said: “This is more than an acquisition—it’s an evolution.
“C&E Fire Protection has built an outstanding reputation for reliability, integrity, and responsiveness over the last two decades.
“Together, we are raising the bar for what life-safety service can look like.”
Continuity for C&E Fire Protection clients
Bartkowski confirmed that C&E Fire Protection will keep its existing team.
The company said clients will continue to receive 24/7 emergency response coverage.
It added that operations across Illinois will continue under the C&E Fire Protection name.
According to Bartkowski, these services will now be supported by its infrastructure, safety culture and additional resources.
Integrated active and passive protection
Bartkowski stated that combining services provides clients with full-spectrum life-safety coverage.
The company explained that this now includes firestopping, perimeter containment, air and water barriers, and sprinkler systems.
It added that this integration allows streamlined coordination across projects.
The firm said this approach can help reduce both costs and risks for clients.
Lauren Sustek added: “We’re excited to bring new services, new energy, and new value to our clients.
“This move allows us to better protect the people and places that matter most—and that’s a mission we take personally.”
Relevance for fire and safety professionals
This development is directly relevant for fire-protection contractors, system installers and facility managers working in Illinois.
The addition of NICET-certified sprinkler design, installation and inspection means contractors and installers may see new opportunities for collaboration on integrated projects.
For facility managers, particularly in commercial and residential sectors, the ability to procure both active and passive protection services through a single provider could simplify project management and reduce administrative complexity.
The continuation of 24/7 emergency support also ensures that existing clients of C&E Fire Protection maintain service reliability during and after the transition.
Bartkowski acquires C&E Fire Protection: Summary
Bartkowski Strategic Contracting has acquired C&E Fire Protection, a fire sprinkler provider based in Woodridge, Illinois.
The company said the move expands its service offering to include NICET-certified design, installation and inspection of sprinkler systems.
Bartkowski confirmed that C&E Fire Protection will retain its team, continue operations in Illinois and maintain its 24/7 emergency response capability.
The company added that the acquisition allows it to provide integrated life-safety services, combining firestop systems, containment, barriers and sprinklers.
Bartkowski stated that this integration supports faster coordination, reduced costs and enhanced protection for clients.
Lauren Sustek, President of Bartkowski, said the deal represents an evolution of the company’s life-safety services.
This article contains information from the following source: Bartkowski Strategic Contracting
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