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Security, Police and Fire collaborate for 2nd Career Expo • PHOTOS and VIDEO

The 2nd Annual Security • Police • Fire Career Expo hosted approximately 200 security, fire and police professionals as well as college students enrolled in police foundations and related programs on March 3 in Mississauga, Ont.

Students were able to meet with mentors from all three disciplines who dispensed advice and shared wisdom from their professional careers. For law enforcement questions, students sat down to speak with Windsor Police Service Sr. Const. Neil McEachrane, Barrie Police Insp. Peter Dewsnap, Randall Arsenault, a Primary Response Officer with Toronto Police Service; Const. Mark Herwartz with the Waterloo Regional Police Service; Deputy Chief of Police Lucie Tremblay with VIA Rail Canada; Dr. Jo-Ann Savoie, a staff sergeant with the Hamilton Police Service; and York Regional Police Supt. Cecile Hammond. Peel Regional Police Chief Nishan Duraiappah also popped by in the afternoon to offers tips on climbing ladders and making a difference.

The event was also supported by more than 30 exhibitors, including Peel Regional Police Service, Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Limestone Technologies Inc., RCMP, York Regional Police Service, the Correctional Service of Canada, the Canadian Armed Forces, and many others.

Keynote speaker Kwesi Millington, introduced by Harry Harsch, chief of staff at Commissionaires, spoke about the challenges of being a first responder, the importance of maintaining balance in personal and professional life, and how to find resiliency in the face of adversity.

A mock interview panel, made up of three established professionals from police, fire and security, invited two volunteers to the stage, who bravely answered questions they would likely face in a real job interview situation. Herwartz provided the audience with a brief overview beforehand, explaining when you answer a “tell me when” question, remember the STAR method. Make sure you address: Situation, Task (goal), Action (what you did), Result (the outcome).

“Ninety per cent of applicants come in at the 75 per cent mark of the interview score. Make sure you stand out,” he added.

Following each answer, the panel offered critiques to the volunteers, which included tips on appropriate dress, maintaining composure, saying enough (but not too much), carefully considering answers before speaking, painting a mental picture and describing scenarios, anticipating follow-up questions, and knowing that you are evaluating your potential employer as they are evaluating you.

“How to stand out in an interview? Imagine your answer is a stone you throw into the water and the ripple effect is your answer,” Herwartz said. “You want to create a far reach with your ripple effect.”

The Career Expo was a great opportunity to network with some of the best in the industry, said Luke Watt, a show attendee and a provincial offences officer with Commissionaires. He noted he was specifically seeking to gain insight into how to stand out as a future applicant to police services.

“I highly recommend anyone who is considering or applying to a career in either one of the three fields to attend; you will not be disappointed. This is not your average career fair!”

Aidan D’Souza with Seneca College said, “a highlight of the day for our students was hearing from Toronto Police community engagement officer Randal Arsenault, who is famous for his work with social media engagement.”

The event was hosted and presented by Blue Line magazine, Canadian Security magazine, Canadian Firefighter magazine, Firehall Book Store and Firehall Forum. Stay tuned for more details on Security • Police • Fire Career Expo 2021.

Blue Line would like to thank all the attendees for sharing their day with us, the esteemed mentors for generously giving their time and exhibitors for their continued support. Special thanks to keynote sponsor Commissionaires.

Photos: PJ Boyd, R. Francoeur, Aidan D’Souza