Slack, 68, a teacher at O'Connor Public School in North York, received the Fire Safety Advocate Award from the Fire Marshal of Ontario on Wednesday, June 25. The award is given to individuals who have provided time, expertise and resources to promote fire safety in the community.
About five years ago, Slack was attending a meeting at school where a staff member was sought to co-ordinate the fire safety awareness program among the students.
"There was silence in the room," she said. "I hate silence."
At that point, Slack raised her hand and volunteered to take on the responsibility.
"I made sure I made a good job on this," she said. "I never thought of rewards or awards."
While Slack acknowledges the importance of teaching the children about fire safety, she also understands why few teachers are willing to do so. She said the demands on teachers' time does not permit them to take on such initiatives.
According to a release from the fire department, Slack became a champion of Risk Watch, an injury prevention program for children. She also used the Learn Not To Burn program to teach youngsters about fire safety.
And she also co-ordinated a home fire escape plan contest in which students and their families were encouraged to plans and enter them into the contest. Members of the fire department judge the entries and the winning students got to ride on a fire truck,
"Although Jo-Ann is retiring this year, she has inspired other teachers to use Risk Watch with their students," said Fire Marshal Patrick Burke. "Jo-Ann's commitment to fire and injury prevention throughout the years will leave a lifelong impression on her colleagues, the children in her classrooms and their families."
Slack said she was at a loss for words when notified about the award. "I was taken by surprise, it is very thrilling. I'm delighted and honoured."
Her retirement date set for June 30, and Slack said the award is a fitting end-note on her long career. "As I am leaving full time teaching, this is a lovely way to salute 50 years of endeavour," she said.
Fire departments throughout the province nominated individuals and organizations for this year's awards; Slack was one of 17 recipients. Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services Rick Bartolucci and Fire Marshal Burke presented the awards at a luncheon ceremony at the Sutton Place Hotel in Toronto.