Confirmed Speakers

The organizing committee of the 7th Annual Ontario Police Communicators Conference is pleased to announce the following list of confirmed speakers. As the roster is continually expanding, check back often for updates.

Steve Gilliland

Enjoy The Ride (TM)

Through humour and reality-tested techniques, Steve Gilliland reveals the way to face conflicting demands in an unforgiving business environment that keeps getting tougher. From the beginning when he shows people how to ignite their passion, to the end with his compelling challenge to never lose your focus, he releases an "explosion of enthusiasm" that is absolutely contagious. This keynote speech will challenge you personally and professionally. It is simple and easy to grasp - yet profound! Fasten your seatbelt and hold on as one of North America's premier speakers shows you how to never lose your passion, cure your destination disease and redefine your focus.

Steve Gilliland is one of the most in-demand and top-rated speakers in North America. He has been working with meeting planners and speakers bureaus since 1999 to entertain, educate and inspire audiences all over the world. Recognized by his peers as a master storyteller and brilliant comedian, his appeal transcends barriers of age, culture and occupation. Steve's interactive and entertaining style helps audiences connect and relate as he shows them how to open doors to success in their careers, their relationships and their lives. He speaks to more than 250,000 people a year and has shared the platform with numerous dignitaries, including bestselling author Dr. Ken Blanchard, former Mayor of New York Rudolph Giuliani, University of Tennessee Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summit, Hall of Fame Quarterback of the Buffalo Bills Jim Kelly, comedian Howie Mandel and the creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Mark Victor Hansen.

Steve’s website: http://www.stevegilliland.com/index.htm

Sgt. Paul Davies

Domestic Violence & The Role of the Communicator

With incidents of Domestic Violence at an all-time high, Sgt. Paul Davies will review with us the role of the Domestic Violence Investigator, and walk Communicators through the importance of information gathering at the initiation of a call and explain how the 9-1-1 recordings play an integral role in court. Sgt. Davies will debrief some Domestic Violence cases, showing examples of good and bad calls and use them as a learning opportunity for all in attendance.

Sgt. Paul Davies has been a police officer for over 20 years, the last eight years of which have been with the Halton Regional Police Service.

Kim Rigden

Kim Rigden and Associates is a company with some fresh ideas about Communications Centre training and the welfare of the staff who work there. Their philosophy is one of professionalism and efficiency, bridging the gap between training and a centre of excellence. Kim will be leading two sessions:

Critical Incident Stress and the Emergency Dispatcher: The call every Emergency Dispatcher dreads. What happens when a dispatcher answers one? Learn how to prepare for the stress of a Critical Incident. This training session covers the pathways of stress (normal and destructive) as well as how to identify signs and symptoms of critical incident stress (CIS) and Critical Incident Stress Management for emergency dispatchers. Emergency Dispatchers can benefit from a moderate amount of stress as they become more alert and ready for action. However, if stress is excessive then stress levels overload the system resulting in compromised health and work performance. This session will help them to stay on the job longer and reduce sick time.

Psychology of a 9-1-1 Caller: There are at least two patients involved in every 9-1-1 call; the person who needs the emergency help and the person calling 911. Seeing the call through the caller’s eyes is an important skill for the emergency dispatcher. How does stress affect the caller’s ability to provide accurate and clear information? Emergency Dispatchers can learn the signs and symptoms of critical incident stress and how to identify them in a non-visual environment. This class teaches Emergency Dispatchers how to manage this critical incident response (CIS) and effectively deal with difficult and hysterical callers. Understanding CIS and learning effective techniques to calm and reassure 9-1-1 callers allows for a better call assessment, decreases the stress in both the caller and the dispatcher and improves customer service. More satisfaction and fewer complaints.

Kim’s website: http://www.kimrigden.ca/

Sgt. Jeff Foster

E.D.U.: Suspicious Packages & Substances

In an ever-changing climate of domestic terrorism, communicators need to be prepared and aware of what information is required by E.D.U. technicians dealing with suspicious packages and substances. Sgt. Jeff Foster will walk communicators through some sample calls and debrief the outcomes to ensure that communicators are well equipped and prepared.

Sgt. Jeff Foster began his career with the Halton Regional Police in 1998 and, in 2001, was selected as a part-time member of the Explosive Disposal Unit. In 2003, he transferred to the Emergency Services Unit as a full-time member of the Tactical Rescue Unit and Explosive Disposal Unit. In 2004, Sgt. Foster became the Explosive Disposal Unit's Coordinator before becoming a Tactical Team Leader in 2007.

Barney McNeilly

Crisis Negotiations: Hostage and Barricaded Persons

A Senior Law Enforcement Professional with over 35 years policing experience in Uniform, Investigative and Management Functions in Northern Ireland and Canada, he recently retired from the Toronto Police Emergency Task Force. Barney provides consulting services for continuing education to members of the law enforcement community. Barney was second in charge of the Toronto Police Emergency Task Force - one of the busiest tactical teams in North America. He was recognized as the Chief Crisis Negotiator for the Toronto Police Service and was involved in the successful resolution of over 200 hostage/barricaded incidents. He has also attended Scotland Yard and FBI Quantico, observing and participating in their Critical Incident programs. Barney has been lecturing on behalf of the Canadian Police College for the past 15 years and will continue to coordinate and lecture with the Incident Commanders and Crisis Negotiators (Hostage/Barricaded Persons) courses.

Barney’s Website: http://www.policingsecurity.ca/index.html

Sgt. Jeff Sandy

Shots Fired – Lessons Learned: The Debriefing

Sgt. Jeff Sandy will walk communicators through a shooting incident that took place in Halton in 2007. Specifically, Sgt. Sandy will take attendees through what officers were dealing with on the scene as things unfolded and the important role Communications played in this fast-paced and stressful incident. Communicators that dealt with the call from start to finish will be part of a panel to discuss how things unfolded and give everyone an opportunity for questions and answers.

Sgt. Jeff Sandy is a 13-year veteran of the Halton Regional Police Service. He is currently assigned to the Chief’s Staff as the Diversity Coordinator. Sgt. Sandy also served as a member of the Tactical Rescue Unit, holding the positions of Team Leader and Sergeant.

Paul Huschilt

Seven Humour Habits for Workplace Wellness: “Higher impact learning disguised as a low-budget spa.”

Paul Huschilt is an award-winning professional speaker & storyteller who is known for his totally unique musical comedy conference-closing keynotes. He also specializes in humor in the workplace, workplace wellness, and work beyond stress.

Seven Humour Habits for Workplace Wellness is a fun and high-energy presentation that spoofs personal growth and reminds people to take good care at work. Participants laugh and enjoy an eclectic mix of comedy, song, and experiential activities. They hear about research and easy-to-apply concepts to improve their day-to-day in and out of the office. This keynote is ideal for people who routinely provide service to others, are overworked or have been going through a stressful or busy period. It is an excellent way of saying ‘thank you’ while providing tools for moving forward. Each presentation is personalized to your group and is available bilingually in English and French (and even partially in Japanese).

Paul’s Website: http://www.paulhuschilt.com/

Janet Balch

Take The Challenge

Janet Balch is an Instructor of C.P.I.C./Communications at the Ontario Police College. Her 19 year career with the O.P.P. included front line policing at several detachments as well as the design & delivery of training to recruits, senior officers and civilian employees at the OPP Academy.

Janet transferred to the Ontario Police College where she designs and delivers training in Communications, CPIC and Communications Centre Supervision.

Janet will be closing our conference with her session entitled “Take the Challenge!” This one is “CLASSIFIED”, “TOP SECRET”! You can call it whatever you want but one thing is certain – you will NOT be disappointed!

	Steve Gilliland Enjoy The Ride (TM) Through humour and reality-tested techniques, Steve Gilliland reveals the way to face conflicting demands in an unforgiving business environment that keeps getting tougher. From the beginning when he shows people how to ignite their passion, to the end with his compelling challenge to never lose your focus, he releases an "explosion of enthusiasm" that is absolutely contagious. This keynote speech will challenge you personally and professionally. It is simple and easy to grasp - yet profound! Fasten your seatbelt and hold on as one of North America's premier speakers shows you how to never lose your passion, cure your destination disease and redefine your focus. Steve Gilliland is one of the most in-demand and top-rated speakers in North America. He has been working with meeting planners and speakers bureaus since 1999 to entertain, educate and inspire audiences all over the world. Recognized by his peers as a master storyteller and brilliant comedian, his appeal transcends barriers of age, culture and occupation. Steve's interactive and entertaining style helps audiences connect and relate as he shows them how to open doors to success in their careers, their relationships and their lives. He speaks to more than 250,000 people a year and has shared the platform with numerous dignitaries, including bestselling author Dr. Ken Blanchard, former Mayor of New York Rudolph Giuliani, University of Tennessee Women's Basketball Coach Pat Summit, Hall of Fame Quarterback of the Buffalo Bills Jim Kelly, comedian Howie Mandel and the creator of Chicken Soup for the Soul, Mark Victor Hansen. Steve’s website: http://www.stevegilliland.com/index.htm
	Sgt. Paul Davies Domestic Violence & The Role of the Communicator With incidents of Domestic Violence at an all-time high, Sgt. Paul Davies will review with us the role of the Domestic Violence Investigator, and walk Communicators through the importance of information gathering at the initiation of a call and explain how the 9-1-1 recordings play an integral role in court. Sgt. Davies will debrief some Domestic Violence cases, showing examples of good and bad calls and use them as a learning opportunity for all in attendance. Sgt. Paul Davies has been a police officer for over 20 years, the last eight years of which have been with the Halton Regional Police Service.
	Kim Rigden Kim Rigden and Associates is a company with some fresh ideas about Communications Centre training and the welfare of the staff who work there. Their philosophy is one of professionalism and efficiency, bridging the gap between training and a centre of excellence. Kim will be leading two sessions: Critical Incident Stress and the Emergency Dispatcher: The call every Emergency Dispatcher dreads. What happens when a dispatcher answers one? Learn how to prepare for the stress of a Critical Incident. This training session covers the pathways of stress (normal and destructive) as well as how to identify signs and symptoms of critical incident stress (CIS) and Critical Incident Stress Management for emergency dispatchers. Emergency Dispatchers can benefit from a moderate amount of stress as they become more alert and ready for action. However, if stress is excessive then stress levels overload the system resulting in compromised health and work performance. This session will help them to stay on the job longer and reduce sick time. Psychology of a 9-1-1 Caller: There are at least two patients involved in every 9-1-1 call; the person who needs the emergency help and the person calling 911. Seeing the call through the caller’s eyes is an important skill for the emergency dispatcher. How does stress affect the caller’s ability to provide accurate and clear information? Emergency Dispatchers can learn the signs and symptoms of critical incident stress and how to identify them in a non-visual environment. This class teaches Emergency Dispatchers how to manage this critical incident response (CIS) and effectively deal with difficult and hysterical callers. Understanding CIS and learning effective techniques to calm and reassure 9-1-1 callers allows for a better call assessment, decreases the stress in both the caller and the dispatcher and improves customer service. More satisfaction and fewer complaints. Kim’s website: http://www.kimrigden.ca/
	Sgt. Jeff Foster E.D.U.: Suspicious Packages & Substances In an ever-changing climate of domestic terrorism, communicators need to be prepared and aware of what information is required by E.D.U. technicians dealing with suspicious packages and substances. Sgt. Jeff Foster will walk communicators through some sample calls and debrief the outcomes to ensure that communicators are well equipped and prepared. Sgt. Jeff Foster began his career with the Halton Regional Police in 1998 and, in 2001, was selected as a part-time member of the Explosive Disposal Unit. In 2003, he transferred to the Emergency Services Unit as a full-time member of the Tactical Rescue Unit and Explosive Disposal Unit. In 2004, Sgt. Foster became the Explosive Disposal Unit's Coordinator before becoming a Tactical Team Leader in 2007.
	Barney McNeilly Crisis Negotiations: Hostage and Barricaded Persons A Senior Law Enforcement Professional with over 35 years policing experience in Uniform, Investigative and Management Functions in Northern Ireland and Canada, he recently retired from the Toronto Police Emergency Task Force. Barney provides consulting services for continuing education to members of the law enforcement community. Barney was second in charge of the Toronto Police Emergency Task Force - one of the busiest tactical teams in North America. He was recognized as the Chief Crisis Negotiator for the Toronto Police Service and was involved in the successful resolution of over 200 hostage/barricaded incidents. He has also attended Scotland Yard and FBI Quantico, observing and participating in their Critical Incident programs. Barney has been lecturing on behalf of the Canadian Police College for the past 15 years and will continue to coordinate and lecture with the Incident Commanders and Crisis Negotiators (Hostage/Barricaded Persons) courses. Barney’s Website: http://www.policingsecurity.ca/index.html
	Sgt. Jeff Sandy Shots Fired – Lessons Learned: The Debriefing Sgt. Jeff Sandy will walk communicators through a shooting incident that took place in Halton in 2007. Specifically, Sgt. Sandy will take attendees through what officers were dealing with on the scene as things unfolded and the important role Communications played in this fast-paced and stressful incident. Communicators that dealt with the call from start to finish will be part of a panel to discuss how things unfolded and give everyone an opportunity for questions and answers. Sgt. Jeff Sandy is a 13-year veteran of the Halton Regional Police Service. He is currently assigned to the Chief’s Staff as the Diversity Coordinator. Sgt. Sandy also served as a member of the Tactical Rescue Unit, holding the positions of Team Leader and Sergeant.