Lighting the Way: Debra Rogers on Leadership, Mentorship & Breaking Barriers in the Fire Service

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In this episode of Sirens, Slammers, and Service, we sit down with Debra Rogers — Acting Captain with Campbell River Fire Department and the powerhouse President of the Island Ignite Mentorship Society.

Debra shares her unconventional and inspiring path into the fire service, entering the field as a mature recruit and eventually becoming the first woman ever hired in her department. Now a seasoned firefighter, acting captain, and fire investigator, she brings decades of insight, leadership, and advocacy to the table.

In this episode, we dive into:

• Debra’s unique and unexpected entry into firefighting
• The barriers she faced — and broke — as a woman and late starter in the fire service
• Her leadership with the Island Ignite Mentorship Society, and the transformative impact of their annual youth fire camp
• The evolution of fire service recruitment and why we still struggle to hire, despite a surge of interest from the next generation
• Why diversity of skill sets is more critical than ever in today’s fire departments

You’ll hear heartfelt success stories about the camp and it's participants and volunteers, insights from on-the-ground mentorship work, and a candid look at the realities of today's fire service — from both the front lines and behind the scenes. Whether you're in the fire world, thinking of joining, or just love a story of courage and leadership — this one’s for you.

Tap play now — and be sure to check out our other episodes featuring women blazing trails in fire services across Canada. Season 9 continues soon with even more unfiltered, real-talk episodes from the world of public safety.

Contact Debra: 

Island Ignite Mentorship Society

ENGAGE. ENCOURAGE. EMPOWER.

250-203-1168  I  [e-mail]  I  www.islandignite.com 

Garett Martin, Mortgage Broker with The Mortgage Group, is our official podcast sponsor for Season 9 and supports other first responders by offering discounted mortgage rates, flexible communication, and industry-leading service. 

Learn more
 https://garettmartinmortgages.com

Blue Line Fitness Testing is a premier law enforcement fitness testing and training center based in Edmonton. Specializing in helping individuals prepare for the physical demands of a career in law enforcement, we offer comprehensive fitness evaluations, specialized training programs, and classes tailored to meet the unique needs of our clients. 

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