PICKERING WELCOMES A NEW FIRE CHIEF

WelcomesPickering A NEW FIRE CHIEF

The City of Pickering is pleased to announce that Deputy Chief Steve Boyd will be promoted to Fire Chief, effective June 1, 2022.

This comes after an extensive recruitment process following the announcement of current Fire Chief, John Hagg’s retirement, set for May 31, 2022.

Deputy Boyd has 35 years of experience in his field, making him a known and respected leader of Fire and Emergency services throughout the Region of Durham.

Prior to joining the City of Pickering as Deputy Chief in 2017, Boyd held the titles of Firefighter, Fire Captain, Fire Inspector, Training Officer, and Deputy Fire Chief at the City of Oshawa.

Boyd’s municipal experience, accomplishments, strategic leadership, and operational management skills have successfully positioned him for his new role as Fire Chief.

“I am honoured to continue serving the community in my new role as Fire Chief,” said Deputy Boyd. “I have been fortunate enough to work alongside a skilled team of passionate and dedicated professionals over the past five years, and I look forward to leading Pickering’s emergency response services for our growing community.”

Deputy Boyd’s priorities for the department include:

• Planning new ways to service the community as it continues to experience unprecedented growth, including the completion of the City’s new Headquarters – Fire Station #1 (located on Zents Drive). • Mapping out data to help staff recognize trends, patterns, and areas of concern. This will allow staff to utilize resources more effectively when it comes to Fire Prevention initiatives,

Public Education delivery, and compliance issues.

• Complete a comprehensive Community Risk Assessment, which will take several factors into account and pinpoint areas that require additional focus in terms of education, enforcement, and response.

With a strong vision for the future, proven fire command experience, and an understanding of each division’s unique roles and how they complement each other – Boyd looks forward to taking Pickering Fire Services to new heights.

Learn more about your new Fire Chief, Pickering Fire Services, and ask staff your fire-related questions at LetsTalkPickering.ca/ PickeringFire.

We are very excited about the new Fire Hall, which will be the first new hall for the City in 26 years! Geographically central to the future growth of Pickering, it will allow our crews to improve response times and service coverage across the City,” shares Boyd.