Deputy Fire Chief, Community Risk Reduction

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Deputy Fire Chief, Community Risk Reduction (CRR), is a member of the Niagara Falls Fire Department’s (NFFD) senior leadership team, providing executive oversight and strategic leadership across community risk reduction, fire prevention, communications, emergency management, and facilities management.

RESPONSIBLE FOR:

• Planning, implementing, and evaluating programs that reduce risks to life, property, and the environment through prevention, public education, and data-driven strategies, while engaging internal and external stakeholders to promote a safer community.

• Executive responsibility for the NFFD’s Fire Prevention and Communications divisions and a key leadership role in emergency management preparedness, working closely with City support services to advance modernization, operational excellence, and continuous improvement.

• Oversight and direction to the Fire Prevention Division includes inspections, plans examinations, investigations, public education and life safety programs.

• Ensures compliance with applicable federal and provincial legislation, regulations, standards, and municipal by-laws related to fire safety and prevention.

• Guides the development, implementation, and evaluation of community risk reduction strategies and initiatives based on data, trends, and community needs.

• Engages with developers, architects, engineers, and building owners to ensure fire safety compliance in new and existing buildings.

• Promotes public education and fire and life safety programs for both department staff and the community.

• Provides oversight for the planning, implementation and ongoing management of critical technology systems, including telecommunications, data platforms, and related applications that enhance emergency operations and interoperability.

• Supports the adoption of new and evolving technologies to strengthen emergency services and enhance public safety service delivery.

• Provides leadership and oversight for the Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) function, ensuring compliance with applicable legislation and municipal emergency management requirements.

• Supports the development, maintenance, and implementation of the City of Niagara Falls Emergency Plan.

• Fulfills senior leadership roles under the City Emergency Plan and responds to major emergencies as required, assuming command or acting as an advisor to the Incident Commander.

• Acts as the primary fire service liaison with City support services, including Facilities and Operations, Fleet, and Information Systems, related to fire stations and facilities.

• Provides strategic oversight of fire facilities to ensure buildings are safe, compliant, operationally ready, and aligned with service needs.

• Contributes to capital planning, facility lifecycle management, renovations, and new construction projects for fire facilities.

• Supports procurement and lifecycle planning for CRR-related equipment and technology-based systems.

• Possesses a comprehensive understanding of fire suppression operations and incident command principles to effectively lead and support emergency incidents, including major fires and complex events. This is due to the unique demographics of the City of Niagara Falls and the high level of service provided by the NFFD.

• The Deputy Fire Chief, CRR, must demonstrate confidence, sound judgment, and an open, collaborative leadership style; actively participate in senior management decision-making and departmental policy development; and provide strategic advice to the Fire Chief, senior administration, and City Council as required.

• Supports the Fire Chief in developing and implementing business plans and service delivery models aligned with municipal objectives.

• Represents the Fire Chief at meetings, public events, and inter-agency forums, and acts as a departmental spokesperson when assigned.

• Ensure consistent application of departmental policies and best practices across assigned divisions.

• Provides visible, inclusive and effective leadership and oversight for staffing, performance management, training, and professional development that promotes a positive, respectful and high-performing workplace culture.

• Participates in recruitment, hiring, promotions, discipline, and grievance resolution, as required.

• Work collaboratively within a unionized environment and support positive labour relations.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS:

• 7+ years of experience within a Fire department. Minimum 5 years of progressive fire service experience as a chief officer, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Post-secondary certificate, diploma, or degree in Fire Service Management, Public Administration, or a related field.

• Demonstrated experience in fire prevention, community risk reduction, emergency management, and regulatory compliance.

• Comprehensive understanding of applicable legislation, municipal bylaws, and fire service standards governing operations in Ontario, including the Fire Protection and Prevention Act (FPPA), Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA), and relevant NFPA standards.

• Experience working collaboratively with municipal corporate services and support departments.

• Strong strategic, interpersonal, communication, and public relations skills.

• Valid Ontario Driver’s Licence with an acceptable driver’s abstract.

• Ability to work flexible hours and respond to after-hours calls.

• Demonstrated commitment to equity, inclusion, and fostering a workplace that reflects the community served.

SUPERVISES:  

Fire Prevention, Communications, and other assigned staff.