Town's fire prevention officer earns unique Company Officer Diploma
Posted Feb 5, 2010 By Theresa Fritz
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EMC News - Hard work has paved the way for John Okum to soon receive another certification.
Theresa Fritz, Arnprior EMC
Mayor Terry Gibeau presents Arnprior fire prevention officer John Okum with his Company Officer Diploma during last week's council meeting. Okum said he pursued this training because he is a big believer in education and upgrading one's skills.
The only full-time member of the Arnprior Fire Department, besides the fire chief, was honoured last Monday evening for earning his Company Officer Diploma.
Mayor Terry Gibeau, who presented the diploma, said Okum "wears several hats - officially and unofficially" in carrying out his duties as the town's fire prevention officer, public education officer and firefighter. He is also in charge of the town's emergency planning.
"John has spent a number of years completing the 22 individual courses so he can achieve this Company Officer's Diploma," Gibeau stated.
The Ontario Company Officer Certification Program was launched on May 6, 2003 at the 51st Annual Meeting, Educational Seminar and Trade Show of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs. The program is delivered by the Ontario Fire College and certification formally acknowledges an experienced Company Officer in Ontario meets the recognized job performance standards, and educational/training and job experience requirements as approved by the Office of the Fire Marshal.
Okum, who has been an acting captain with the fire service for six years, said he decided to pursue this training because he is "a strong believer in continuing education and staying current."
He said emergency services are continuously changing as are rules and regulations so being up to date on the latest aspects benefits not just himself, but the fire service as well.
Okum said the Company Officer Diploma program is a typical diploma program. If someone were doing it full time, it would take two years to complete. Because he did it while also working full time, it took about six years to complete.
"I also took the Fire Prevention Officer Diploma and I obtained that in 2004," he stated.
Okum said he believes having this additional education will assist him in his role not only as Fire Prevention Officer but also as an acting captain.
"I want to make sure my decisions are sound," he said.
Having the Company Officer Diploma in hand now moves Okum closer to certification as a Company Officer. When that occurs, he will be the only member of the Arnprior Fire Department with that certification.
Last April, Okum was awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal for his dedication in performing duties of potential risk with good conduct, industry and efficiency. He joined seven others currently in the fire department who are also recipients.
Okum, who was raised in Arnprior, started as a volunteer firefighter in 1988. He has been an acting captain for six years and a full-time fire prevention officer for more than four years.
FUTURE FIRE CHIEF?
With the pending retirement of fire chief Tom Burnette Feb. 26, Okum's name has been mentioned as a possible successor. In fact, in an earlier interview with the EMC, Burnette said he thought Okum would make a good fire chief.
When asked what his future held, Okum would neither confirm nor deny that he was seeking the fire chief's job. The competition for the job closed Jan. 29.
"I've had overwhelming support from the public," Okum stated. "I do appreciate the public support that people have the confidence in me."
As for a definite word on the fire chief's job, Okum admitted he has "definitely considered it quite seriously" and said he appreciates Burnette's endorsement and support.
"I have to credit a lot of my accomplishments to his support," he concluded. "Who knows where my career will go."
