Windsor Fire & Rescue welcomes our second Class of 2006 Recruits. They joined our team on Tuesday, September 11, 2006 and will be in recruit training for 10 weeks. Here is a little information on each of our newest firefighters:


Natalie Seal, 26 years old

Graduated from the University of Windsor in 2003 with a bachelor in Human Kinetics. She has been working as a kinesiologist for the past four years while pursuing a career in firefighting. She enjoys travelling, mountain biking and spending time at her cottage with family and friends.

“Thanks to all of my family and friends for your motivation and support along the way!”


Derek Bull, 32 years old and SINGLE!

Graduated from Texas A & M Fire Academy and the Paramedic Program at O.C.C. in Michigan. He was working as a firefighter in Niagara Falls before getting the call to join his hometown fire service here in Windsor.

“I want to thank my girlfriend and her family, my family and one special family who told me never give up!”


Derek Bryksa, 28 years old and yes, he’s SINGLE too!

Prior to becoming a Windsor firefighter, Derek was a member of the LaSalle Fire Service and also worked as a supervisor of Fire Protection and Security at Ford Motor Company. His goal is to be a well-trained and knowledgeable asset to the Windsor Fire and Rescue Service.

“I would like to thank my family and friends for all of their support.”

Bruce Jean, 26 years old and he is taken!

“I am very excited and honoured to be a part of Windsor Fire & Rescue. This would not be possible without the support of my family, friends and the instructors from all of the courses I’ve taken. I would like to thank them.”

Doug has been married to Stephanie for six years and they have two young sons, Seth 3 and Blake 2. He worked at Chrysler Canada and for the Tecumseh Fire Department prior to being hired at Windsor Fire & Rescue. He enjoys playing with his kids and teaching them new things.

“I have been trying to become a firefighter at Windsor Fire for the last 8 years and I finally made it!”

John Picco, 23 years old


John is engaged to Sarah with the wedding planned for the fall of 2007. He worked at Maryvale in the Good Sheperd Centre as a child youth worker. He played professional baseball for 4.5 years. He enjoys playing golf and baseball as well as other sports.

“I would like to thank my Mom and Dad as well as my fiancé Sarah for their support during this process and I am looking forward to starting my career with Windsor Fire & Rescue.”

Brad Mihalik – 33 years old

Brad is married to his lovely wife Heather. He was employed for 14 years at Canada Post and 5 years with the Amherstburg Paramedic Service. He is a graduate of the St. Clair College Fire Pre-Entry Program.

“It was an awesome feeling to get that call that I was to be a part of an incredible group at Windsor Fire & Rescue. Thanks to the Amberstburg Medic Service for all the experience and also to my wife for all of her love and support.”

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A Warm Welcome to our First Recruit Class of 2006!

Windsor Fire & Rescue would like to welcome the Recruit Class of 2006! The 10-week training program began April 18, 2006. During the program, they will learn many aspects of firefighting including personal protective equipment, breathing apparatus, water supply, incident management system, fire behaviour, ladders, forcible entry, ventilation, suppression, hazardous materials, auto extrication, first aid/CPR/Defibrillation and the list goes on.