Citing respect for his progressive approach to community risk reduction, firefighter development, and public education, the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association has named Port Hope’s Jason Williams as its 2026 Fire Chief of the Year.
“This well-deserved recognition reflects his outstanding leadership, dedication to public safety, and commitment to innovation in fire prevention and emergency services,” said Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “We are proud to have Chief Williams leading a team that works tirelessly to keep Port Hope safe.”
The OMFPOA made the announcement Wednesday evening, saying his leadership has helped position Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services as a modern and proactive organization focused on prevention-first strategies, operational readiness, and community engagement. This includes expanding public education initiatives, strengthening emergency response capacity, and advancing firefighter health and safety practices.
Williams said he was “deeply honoured” to receive the award.
“This recognition reflects the dedication, professionalism and passion of our firefighters, fire prevention staff and community partners who work every day to keep our residents safe. Fire prevention and public education are at the heart of everything we do, and I remain committed to advancing innovative, community-focused approaches that strengthen public fire safety for today and future generations.”
Under his leadership, the municipality says his through his leadership, the department has implemented a number of impactful initiatives that have strengthened both prevention and response.
These include securing and distributing nearly 200 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to local residents through Safe Community Project Zero, enhancing firefighter health and safety through station upgrades, contamination reduction practices, and advanced equipment such as thermal imaging and LUNAR technology, and launching the Fire Suppression Day Crew Program to improve daytime response and expand community outreach.
He has also fostered partnerships to support public education, including acquiring interactive fire safety tools for community events, and is leading the development of a Wildland Fire Management Plan to improve wildfire preparedness and protect natural areas such as the Ganaraska Forest.
Williams brings more than two decades of diverse emergency services and public safety experience to the role. Prior to joining Port Hope, he served with the Office of the Fire Marshal, where he worked as a fire investigator and supervisor, supporting municipal fire departments throughout Ontario in the areas of fire investigations and regulatory compliance.