Get to know F&S: Jamie Donaldson

"I love every day," says Fire Prevention Officer Jamie Donaldson about his work on campus.

Donaldson has over 30 years of experience as a firefighter and fire prevention officer. “I wanted to help my community, and I love the family-like team that a fire department has, so firefighting was it for me,” he explains. “In all of the jobs I’ve had I have been in a position to help others.” 

His early experiences as a firefighter—where he witnessed injuries and tragedies firsthand—inspired a life-long passion for fire prevention.  

As a member of U of T’s Fire Prevention Services, Donaldson responds to fire alarms, conducts fire inspections, and holds fire safety education training, including fire extinguisher training.  

Donaldson is passionate about fire prevention, and he has a hard time identifying his favourite part of the job. If he had to pick from the great diversity of his work, however, he cites education and outreach as his foremost loves. 

“At the University, the students and staff are passionate about learning,” Donaldson says. “Most people have never experienced putting out a fire, so I try to give them the experience of how dangerous fire can be and show how it must be respected.” 

The fire prevention team has dramatically expanded their fire extinguisher training offerings over the past year, having provided hands on experiences to over 500 staff and students over the last 12 months. This year, Donaldson is aiming to double that number. 

Fire extinguisher training is important because one of the most common fire hazards Donaldson sees on campus is fire extinguishers not being used during emergencies out of lack of knowledge or confidence.  

For Donaldson, education is a way for him to share his passion for fire safety with others, and he takes pride in knowing that his message is getting across. “I get emails from the students who have attended my training telling me that they put out a fire,” he says.  

While Donaldson works diligently on campus to educate staff, students and faculty alike, he wants people to take their fire safety education beyond the University. “Nobody is going to care more about your safety than you, so being prepared is the key,” he says.  

Outside of work, Donaldson likes to unwind from whirlwind days by enjoying the outdoors: hunting, fishing, and gardening. One of his favourite ways to relax is (safely) cooking his specialty oxtail.