Lance Bushie
Senior Associate – Emergency Management & Crisis Communications
Professional Summary
Lance Bushie is a highly experienced emergency management and fire services leader with more than 30 years of international, national, and local experience. His career spans frontline firefighting, military service, and senior leadership roles in municipal fire departments. Lance is recognized for his expertise in live fire dynamics, emergency response, and organizational resilience, and is known for his calm, supportive leadership style.
Core Expertise
- Emergency management and ICS instruction
- Fire services leadership and operations
- Live fire training and Train the Trainer instruction
- Strategic planning and organizational resilience
- Multiagency coordination and humanitarian response
Career Highlights
Lance began his career with the Peace River Fire Department in 1989, rising to become Director of Protective Services and Regional Fire Chief. He later served as Fire Chief for the Town of High River and, most recently, for Canmore Fire Rescue, where he oversaw operations, training, and emergency preparedness for a rapidly growing community.
He has 15 years of military experience with the Canadian Armed Forces’ Land Force, where he developed strong skills in logistics, discipline, and crisis management. Lance is also a recognized expert in live fire dynamics, having spent 19 years developing and instructing advanced live fire programs across Canada and for the Chinese Fire Service.
Lance has contributed to humanitarian efforts internationally, including leading a Canadian boat rescue team during the 2016–2017 migrant crisis on the Greek island of Lesvos and teaching ICS to Greek NGOs.
Education & Certifications
- Masters Degree, Interdisciplinary Studies, Global Leadership
- PostGraduate Diploma in Disaster & Emergency Management
- Certified ICS Canada 400-level Instructor
Personal Notes
Lance thrives in the outdoors and has completed self guided expeditions in Haida Gwaii. He enjoys hiking, kayaking, and overland travel, and brings the same spirit of exploration to his professional work.