CFSA Blog
CFSA President's Holiday Message (2022)
Author: Anthony Rago
Dear Member,
As the year comes to an end, the holiday season gives us the opportunity to relax, disconnect from our work, and enjoy time with our family and friends. Take this down-time to reflect on the past year, the accomplishments you’ve achieved, and relationships you’ve formed.
I would like to take this opportunity to reflect on the past year with the Canadian Fire Safety Association (CFSA). 2022 has been an exciting year for me. Being elected as the Canadian Fire Safety Association’s president is a true honour and one of the highlights in my career thus far. The start of 2022 felt eerily like 2021. The CFSA continued to operate virtually, our tech sessions were only provided in the virtual format, our plan for an in-person Annual Education Forum in April was derailed and the event was postponed, lastly, we were forced to have our Annual General Meeting (AGM) virtually for the third year in a row. However, early in 2022 we saw a shift, lockdowns and COVID-19 restrictions were easing, which allowed meetings and events to return to in-person format. This prompted our Annual Education Forum (AEF) committee to reschedule our previously postponed event to September. I am pleased to say that the AEF went off without a hitch! We had our first in-person event in more than two years, it was a great success, and it was wonderful to finally see so many of our members back in person.
I would like to thank the Board of Directors and Committee Members. The drive and passion that this group brings to support the association is truly amazing. A big thank you also goes out to our partners at Association Concepts. Association Concepts administration staff has supported the CFSA Board of Directors and its members for decades. Many people do not see the demands on this group of individuals but their hard work and dedication to the association is greatly appreciated. Finally, to our members, thank you for your continued support of the CFSA and for the care and dedication you bring to the fire safety industry everyday.
I would be remised not to take this opportunity to offer some holiday fire safety tips. Here are a few that will hopefully help keep you and your family safe over the holiday season:
- Make sure your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly;
- Share your fire escape plans with your over-night guests;
- Water your Christmas trees daily; and
- Keep lit candles away from children, pets, and other combustible materials; don’t leave lit candles unattended.
On behalf of the Board of Directors and myself, we wish you all a very safe and happy Holiday Season and a healthy and prosperous New Year.
Warm regards,
Anthony Rago
CFSA President
