D2C Mission

The mission of the Dare 2 Command Academy is to develop competent, adaptable, and interoperable incident commanders through accessible, self-directed learning grounded in standardized theory, realistic application, and continuous practice.

Our Team

  • Katherine Lamb, PhD

    COMPANY DIRECTOR

    Katherine Lamb is the Founder and CEO of K Lamb Associates, Effective Command LTD, and Effective Command Canada, and is internationally recognized as a leading authority in Incident Command training and assessment.

    Since 2012, she has specialized in Incident Command and crisis decision-making, developing the Effective Command™ methodology—an innovative training and assessment framework accredited by Skills for Fire Awards. This competency-based development tool is used internationally to train and assess command performance and decision-making and has been the subject of multiple peer-reviewed scientific publications exploring competence assessment within the fire service environment.

    Katherine holds an MSc in Radiation Biology from the University of Oxford and a doctorate in Cell Biology from the University of London. She is an expert in hazardous materials and is highly experienced in the design and facilitation of simulation-based training for both skill acquisition and formal competence assessment.

  • Craig Rayner

    LEARNING & TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST

    Craig Rayner is a subject-matter expert in learning management and virtual reality–enabled training, with extensive operational experience as an incident commander and command assessor. He has significant experience supporting fire and rescue services and high-risk emergency response organizations in developing command capability and leadership performance.

     With a strong frontline background, Craig brings first-hand insight into decision-making under pressure, structured debriefing, and competence-based performance evaluation. He specializes in bridging operational reality with innovative learning environments, ensuring that training is immersive, measurable, and operationally authentic.

     Craig has led the development and implementation of advanced learning systems incorporating virtual reality and scenario-based methodologies to enhance command capability, critical thinking, and behavioural performance. His approach combines evidence-based instructional design with practical application, enabling organizations to strengthen leadership confidence and readiness in complex, dynamic incidents.

    He is passionate about leveraging emerging technologies to drive meaningful performance improvements, supporting individuals and teams in building capability, resilience, and excellence in incident command.

  • Debra Rogers

    PROGRAM LEAD

    Debra Rogers is an Acting Captain and Fire Investigator with the Campbell River Fire Department. Her career in emergency services began in 2009 as a 9-1-1 Fire Dispatcher, and she has since developed a strong focus on leadership development, training, and mentorship within the fire service.

    She is the founding President of the Island Ignite Mentorship Society and serves as Project Manager for Fire Service Women BC, where she leads the organization’s WAGE-funded capacity-building initiative focused on strengthening governance, sustainability, and leadership development across the province.

    Debra is committed to building competent, confident leaders and fostering inclusive, resilient fire service communities.

    Debra sees her work with Effective Command Canada and the Dare 2 Command Academy to develop incident-command training initiatives as a privilege, and Debra is grateful for the team’s ability to collaborate in the service of this work.

  • Brent Thomas

    CONTENT CONSULTANT

    Brent is Fire Chief for the Town of Innisfil. Brent leads and manages the fire department's overall operations, which include fire suppression, staff training, emergency management, fire prevention, public education, and strategic service planning. He has over 39 years of progressive experience in emergency services, beginning as a paramedic before shifting to a career in fire services and progressing through the ranks.

    Before joining the Town of Innisfil, he most recently served as Fire Chief Bradford, Orillia Fire Department and prior to that, held various positions within Orillia and the Stoney Creek, Hamilton, and West Lincoln fire departments. Brent serves on the Board of Directors for the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs including chair of the Training and Education committee and vice chair of the industry committee and is part of the OAFC Peer Support team. He is also an advocate for pro active mental health and serves on the Mental Health/DEI Committee for the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. Chief Thomas is part of the Effective Command delivery team. In his spare time the Chief enjoys spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors.

  • Scott Collins

    CONTENT CONSULTANT

    Scott Collins is a seasoned Canadian fire officer with 25 years of frontline experience and a decade in leadership roles. Specializing in technical rescue and hazardous materials response, Scott brings deep operational insight to his work in incident command training.

    Since 2017, he has developed and delivered immersive command scenarios using XVR Simulation, Fire Studio, and live exercises. In 2024, Scott joined Effective Command™ Canada, where he helped design the Level 1 Officer Course and Canadian-based simulations, and produces instructional content for the Effective Command Assessment Portal. He continues to train officers across Ontario and Alberta, advancing decision-making and command competence throughout the fire service.

  • Bruce Haliburton

    IT DIRECTOR

    Bio pending