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Training the next generation of Fire Prevention professionals at Durham College

The Fire Prevention and Technology program at Durham College (DC), one of only two programs of its kind in Ontario, will celebrate its first graduating class this June. The students who will cross the stage at Convocation have learned their profession from a nationally recognized industry leader.

Program coordinator Randy Panesar regularly speaks at events throughout Canada, lending his expertise to the Canadian Fire Alarm Association and other organizations.

“I’m heavily involved in the industry, and I have 30 years of experience in the field,” said Panesar.

With that pedigree, when he speaks, people listen. When addressing his peers in the industry, he blends his comprehensive knowledge of the technology of fire prevention with its human element. Whether he’s speaking to technologists, consultants, engineers, enforcement officers, or his students at DC, he encourages them to never lose sight of the ultimate goal; keeping people safe.

That’s the heart of the Advanced Diploma program. The students have spent the last three years in a state-of-the-art lab equipped with a variety of specialized hazard systems. In this environment, they conduct comprehensive, integrated life safety system tests using a full sprinkler network and advanced fire alarms designed to simulate the conditions of a four-story building.

They’ve learned about fire codes and the design of sprinkler and fire alarm systems, while earning certifications in fire prevention and education that are recognized throughout Canada and North America.

“Students walk out with several career paths in fire. We do everything under the sun other than firefighting,” said Panesar. “Firefighters are fantastic. We have to understand each other’s roles and disciplines, but we have different specialities.”

Firefighters have the crucial responsibility of suppressing fires and saving the lives of those impacted by them. The role of fire prevention professionals may be less visible, but it’s no less important. When a building is being constructed, they’re there to ensure it safely meets all fire and building codes. Once a building is occupied, they complete regular inspections and investigate any complaints. When a fire does occur, they go in after it has been suppressed and determine its cause and origin.

With so much important work to be done, there is a constant demand for qualified fire technicians.

“Prevention is where the jobs are,” said Panesar. “When our students get the certifications and their advanced diploma and all the knowledge, their options are really strong.”

Students at Durham Continuing Education don’t even have to wait for college to get started. With the recent launch of a dual credit, adult learners can take a fire alarm course that will be recognized by DC if they enroll in the program after graduation. What’s more, it will get them that much closer to receiving their industry accreditation.

At Convocation, Panesar will watch with pride as the first graduating class crosses the stage. After that, he’ll get back to work preparing the next generation of fire safety officials.

For those considering their career options in fire service, the Fire Prevention and Technology program is the perfect ladder to climb.

“We keep our numbers small, we know your names, and we have the best equipment. We’re making sure you get everything you need. You tell us which direction you want to go, and then we’ll help you navigate it.”

Dr. Teresa Avvampato Health Sciences Faculty Member honoured with OSOT Innovation and Impact Award

Durham College (DC) Health Sciences professor Dr. Teresa Avvampato has been recognized by the Ontario Society of Occupational Therapists (OSOT) with the 2025 OSOT Innovation and Impact Award, celebrating her leadership in advancing collaboration between occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapist assistants (OTAs) across Canada.

This provincial award honours innovation in occupational therapy practice that demonstrates a positive impact on the profession, its practice, or the delivery of health-care services in Ontario. Dr. Avvampato was recognized for leading Canada’s first study in more than 20 years examining how OTs and OTAs learn to collaborate in their education and practice.

By engaging educators, students and practitioners across Ontario, her research team identified new opportunities to strengthen this essential partnership through accessible, evidence-informed resources and shared learning experiences. The project underscores that when OTs and OTAs collaborate effectively, Canadians benefit from more accessible, affordable and high-quality rehabilitation services.

“This award is a celebration of collaboration, where many have demonstrated the power of coming together to create change that none of us could achieve alone,” said Dr. Avvampato. “This work represents a collective commitment to making rehabilitation in Canada more accessible, equitable and impactful. My hope is that it continues to inspire partnerships that elevate our profession and the people we serve.”

“Dr. Avvampato’s achievement reflects the deep connection between professional expertise and education that defines DC,” said Dr. Jean Choi, Vice-President, Academic. “Her leadership and research advance her professional field while enriching our students’ classroom experience. When faculty bring their real-world insights into teaching, they help shape the next generation of skilled, compassionate health-care professionals who make a lasting difference in their communities.”

Dr. Avvampato’s research focuses on collaboration and education among health professionals in the health-care sector. She has shared her work provincially, nationally and internationally, including through her OT Conversations that Matter podcast and a recent webinar series on intraprofessional practice. A registered occupational therapist, she has practiced in the Durham Region since 2005, supporting clients in pediatrics, mental health, and private practice.

Faculty Member, DC alumna comes full circle at Justice Games

The annual Justice Games at Durham College (DC) are a celebration of resilience, community, and personal transformation. This year’s event was a special one for Mackenzie Naccarato, a DC alumna who now teaches Communications in the Faculty of Social and Community Services (SCS).

The Games bring together students from Police Foundations, Firefighter – Pre-service, Education and Training, Paramedic and other SCS programs. This year’s theme, “Building Bridges and Breaking Barriers,” reflected not only the physical challenges of the day but also the social and personal hurdles many students have overcome to pursue careers in public service.

As a former Protection, Security and Investigation student, Naccarato once competed in the Justice Games herself—an experience that helped her build confidence, professional networks, and even land a role with the Canada Border Services Agency after graduation. Now, as a Faculty Member, she finds herself guiding the next generation through those same career-shaping experiences.

“Reflecting on my own journey, it has truly come full circle,” Naccarato shared. “Being part of this event alongside those who inspired me reaffirms my passion for education at Durham College. It’s my dream job!”

By taking part in the event, current DC students demonstrated not only their physical prowess but also their leadership, teamwork, and connection to the broader community. Naccarato was particularly proud of her Police Foundations students for embodying the commitment and professionalism expected of future first responders.

“I am continually inspired by the dedication these students embody as they prepare to become police officers and community service professionals,” she said.

Community partners were present at the event, from police and EMS to fire services and security, giving students the chance to meet potential employers and build lasting connections.

For Naccarato, the day was full of meaningful personal moments, from working with mentor and head of the Justice Games committee Jason Vassell to sharing it with her husband, a fellow DC alum and Ontario Provincial Police officer.

“Durham College gave us both the foundation for rewarding careers in public service,” she reflected. “It’s incredible to now stand here, together, as mentors to today’s students.”

The Justice Games are a cornerstone of DC’s mission to blend education with real-world readiness. As Naccarato’s story shows, events like these aren’t just about competition—they’re about transformation, connection, and community. Through mentorship and opportunity, they’re helping shape the leaders of tomorrow—just as they once did for her.