Announcements
- Obituary and Service Information for Retired Chief Sam Rippey, Newmarket Fire Department - See more at: http://www.oafc.on.ca/homepage#sthash.SblsUNbf.dpuf
- Obituary and Service Information for Retired Chief Sam Rippey, Newmarket Fire Department - See more at: http://www.oafc.on.ca/homepage#sthash.SblsUNbf.dpuf
May 25, 2023Obituary and Memorial Service for Former Fire Chief James William Schmidt, Township of North Dumfries.  James William Schmidt, a life-long resident of Ayr, passed away surrounded by his family on Monday, May 22, 2023, at Freeport Hospital.
 
May 8, 2023Obituary and Memorial Service for Senior Electronics Technician Mike Menard, Windsor Fire & Rescue Services. It is with profound sadness we announce the passing of our Mike on May 3, 2023 at 49 years of age. 
 
April 19, 2023Obituary for Retired Fire Chief George Arthur Pettingill, Prince Edward County.  The County of Prince Edward lowers flags in memory of former fire chief George Pettingill who passed away on Tuesday, April 18.
 
March 28, 2023Obituary and Memorial Service for Division Chief Ravjot Singh Chhatwal, Brampton Fire & Emergency Services.  Family and friends must say goodbye to their beloved Ravjot Singh Chhatwal (Brampton, Ontario), who passed away at the age of 43, on March 22, 2023.
 
February 21, 2023Obituary and Memorial Service for Lieutenant Adam Kroeker, Leamington Fire Services. 38 years, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Wednesday, February 15, 2023 at Erie Shores Hospice. 
 
January 31, 2023Obituary and Memorial Service for Retired District Fire Chief Ken Haight, Prince Edward County. Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by his family on Friday, January 27th, 2023, at the age of 77.
 
January 4, 2023Obituary and Memorial Service for Retired Fire Chief Scott Blake, Town of Lincoln. On December 29th, at the age of 76, Scott passed peacefully with his loving family by his side. Scott had two loves in this world, his family, and the fire department.  
 
December 5, 2022Obituary and Memorial Service for Retired Fire Chief David Afelskie, Township of Madawaska Valley (Barry's Bay Fire Department). It is with great sadness we announce the passing of David Joseph Afelskie on Friday, November 25 at M.V. Hospice with his loving wife by his side.
 
November 30, 2022Obituary and Memorial Service for Fire Chief Mike Iles, Dysart et al Fire Department It is with great sadness we announce the passing of Mike Iles on Saturday, November 26th, after a very courageous battle with Lung Cancer at the age of 61. 
 
November 3, 2022 - Please join Ajax Fire and Emergency Services in congratulating Fire Chief Dave Lang on his plan to retire at the end of the month. A retirement celebration will take place on November 21 at Fire HQ, 900 Salem Road North between 11:00am – 2:00pm...read more
 
September 29, 2022Obituary and Memorial Service for Retired Puslinch Fire Chief and former FFAO President Doug Smith. In his 83rd year, passed away unexpectedly surrounded by his loving family at the Guelph General Hospital on Tuesday, September 27, 2022...read more
 
September 21, 2022 - Obituary and Memorial Service for Retired Deputy Chief Carl Roy Young, City of Kingston.  Passed away peacefully with family by his side on Monday, September 19, 2022 at the Kingston Health Sciences Centre...read more
 
August 23, 2022 - Trent Hill's Fire Chief Tim Blake has announced his retirement after almost 35 years on September 2,  2022...read more.
 
July 21, 2022 - The OAFC is pleased to announce today the hiring of Mark Tishman to be the next Executive Director of the OAFC and President of the Ontario Fire Administrative…read more
 
May 11, 2022 - Town of Petawawa Fire Chief Steve Knott is retiring June 30th, 2022. Chief Knott will be retiring with 46 years of service. The Town of Petawawa Fire Department would like to congratulate Chief Knott on his well deserved retirement and wish him and his wife Anne all the best in his retirement!
 
April 20, 2022 - Obituary and Memorial Service for Retired Fire Chief Ross Poole, Roseneath, Ontario. It is with regret that we inform you of the passing of Retired Fire Chief Ross Poole...read more
 
April 13, 2022Obituary and Memorial Service for Retired Deputy Chief Walter Joseph MacNeil, City of Cambridge.  Walter Joseph MacNeil passed away peacefully with his family by his side on Monday, April 4, 2022, at Lisaard House at the age of 65 years...read more
 
April 11, 2022Obituary for Paipoonge Volunteer Fire Department Retired Fire Chief, David John Skea.  Mr. David John Skea of Thunder Bay passed away peacefully in his sleep at Bethammi Nursing Home on March 15, 2022....read more
 
April 4, 2022 - Obituary for Beardmore Volunteer Fire Department Retired Fire Chief, Glen Alexander Goodman.  It is with broken hearts that the family announces that Mr. Glen Alexander Goodman, a lifelong resident of Beardmore Ontario passed away peacefully on Monday March 28, 2022...read more
 
March 18, 2022Obituary and Memorial Service for Retired Fire Chief Darryl Herbert, City of Dryden. It is with great sadness that we mourn the unexpected passing of Darryl a great husband, father, grandfather, brother and friend...read more
 
March 15, 2022 - Obituary and Memorial Service for Retired Fire Chief for Mississippi MillsRetired Mississippi Mills Fire Chief Art Brown died March 11 after a battle with cancer......read more
 
The OAFC is pleased to announce that former Fire Chief Mark Pankhurst accepted the OAFC's new Fire Services Liaison position and has joined the OAFC team, starting Monday, March 14, 2022.
 
February 8, 2022 - Obituary for West Elgin Fire Department Retired Fire Chief, Jeffrey John Slater. Peacefully at the Royal Alexandra Hospital, Edmonton Alberta, formerly of Rodney Ontario, surrounded by love, Jeffrey John Slater on February 8, 2022, at the age of 59...read more
 
February 8, 2022Obituary and Memorial Service for Retired Fire Chief Fred Boisvert, Augusta Township.  Passed away peacefully at the Brockville General Hospital on Sunday, February 6, 2022...read more
 
January 18, 2022Obituary for Retired Fire Chief Yvon Sauvé, East Hawkesbury Township.  Passed away peacefully at the age of 79 years surrounded by his family after a hard battle with cancer on Sunday, January 16, 2022 at the Hawkesbury General Hospital....read more
 
January 13, 2022Obituary for Retired Fire Chief Edward “Ted” Light, Penetanguishene.  It is with great sadness that we announce the death of Edward Light (Penetanguishene, Ontario), who passed away on January 11, 2022, at the age of 87, leaving to mourn family and friends...read more
 

As per the Nominations Committee communication on Tuesday, November 23, 2021, and as discussed during the Virtual Annual General Meeting earlier today...read more

The Nominations Committee has confirmed that the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs has elected our Board of Directors for the 2022 term.....read more.
 
November 19, 2021Obituary and Memorial Service for Fire Chief David Joseph Belsito, Jocelyn Township  It is with heavy hearts that we announce the sudden passing of Dave on November 14th, 2021, at age 58...read more
 
November 5, 2021 - Updated Section 21 Guidance Note out for comment: Structural Collapse Response Guidance Note
 
October 29, 2021 - Cozy up to Patio Heater Safety
The OAFC is once again partnering with TSSA, OMFPOA, and the Canadian Propane Association to remind people about the proper use of patio heaters...read more 
 
Foshay, C.E. Duane... passed away at the Trenton Memorial Hospital on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at the age of 82 years. Beloved husband to Carole Foshay (nee Huffman) for over 65 years....read more
 
It is with profound sadness that we announce the sudden passing of Pierre Lacroix on October 17, 2021 while in the performance of his duties as a firefighter...read more.
 
August 11, 2021 - Today, the Minister of Health, the Honourable Patty Hajdu, and the Minister of Environment and Climate Change, the Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, announced a comprehensive action plan to protect firefighters from harmful chemicals released during household fires....read more
 
July 30, 2021 - The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) are deeply saddened to learn of the sudden passing of OAFC Member and close friend, Brian Leuc, Fire Chief for the Township of McDougall.  Brian was a consummate supporter of our association and events and touched the lives of many of us in the fire service in Ontario. On behalf of our Board of Directors, and staff, we extend our sincerest condolences and sympathies to his family, friends, and fire service colleagues...read more
 
REID - John, passed away on Thursday July 1, 2021, in his 66th year...read more.
 
Guy passed peacefully with his family by his side...read more.
 
Peacefully at the Lennox and Addington County General Hospital on Monday, June 21, 2021, in his 92nd year...read more.
 
Peacefully on Tuesday, June 15, 2021, at Victoria Hospital, in his 87th year...read more.
 
Dave brings over 20 years of firefighting expertise to the Township of Alnwick/Haldimand...read more.
 
Fire Chief Mark Pankhurst has announced his retirement, effective June 30, 2021, after more than 32 years of exemplary service to public safety...read more.
 
The update of Ontario’s Incident Management System Guidance (Version 2.0) has been completed, and is now available online....read more.
 
March 31, 2021Aylmer Fire Department's Chief Sam Taylor retired on March 31, 2021.  Congratulations to Chief Taylor as he settles into retirement! Fire Chief Sam Taylor retired on March 31, 2021 from the Aylmer Fire Department after a successful 35-year career in the Fire Service.  He began his career in 1986 as a Volunteer Firefighter in Port Burwell, later serving the Municipality of Bayham as Fire Chief until 2005 when he joined the Aylmer Fire Department as their first full-time Fire Chief. 
 
TORONTO — The Ontario government is providing $5 million in funding to help municipal fire services address the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. The funding will enhance fire safety training across the province and support safety inspection programs to ensure compliance with the Ontario Fire Code....read more
 
On February 14th , 2021, surrounded by his family’s love and devotion, Terry Jospeh Saelens, retired Fire Chief left us to answer his final call at the age of 67.....read more
 
TORONTO — The Ontario government is strengthening fire safety training across the province by increasing access to on-site and online courses in communities where firefighters serve. Enhancing training opportunities offered through 20 regional training centres will help local fire services better meet the needs of their community and result in cost savings for municipalities...read more
 
Ajax, ON - The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) is pleased to announce the 2021 Board of Directors, and Executive Committee.  The Board of Directors are responsible for strategic leadership necessary to achieve the OAFC’s mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives.....read more
 
The 2021 Nominations Committee has confirmed that the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs has elected our Board of Directors for the 2021 term. Officer appointments will take place during the first Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, November 19, 2020...read more.
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE - With cooler weather upon us, restaurants, bars, cafes and individuals are using patio heaters to extend the use of their patios and outdoor dining areas into the fall and winter seasons. While these fuel-fired heating units provide welcome warmth and comfort while dining alfresco, they can also pose a danger if they are not installed, operated, and maintained correctly.
 
Jones joined Kingston’s fire service 26 years ago, rising through the ranks from Firefighter to Captain. In 2013, she was promoted to the position of Chief Training Officer. She will hold this role until end of day on July 19, at which point she will transition into her position as Deputy Fire Chief.....read more
 
Ontario 211 Services (211) and the Ontario Psychological Association (OPA) are pleased to expand their partnership to ensure more frontline workers are getting the mental health care they need. This partnership will enable frontline workers without extended health benefits to access psychological services at no cost throughout the course of the COVID-19 pandemic response....read more.
 
On June 1, 2020, in his 82nd year. It is with deep sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the sudden, yet peaceful passing of Verrall Clark...read more.
 
Lorne passed away in peace April 20th 2020 into the open and accepting arms of the Lord. Lorne is survived by his forever sweetheart in marriage of 61+ years, Isobel (nee Bishop), children Alex (Holly) St. Catharines, David (Patty) Louisville Kentucky, Heather (Danny Boccia) King City, Bryan (Andrea) Keswick......read more
 
The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) are deeply saddend to learn of the sudden passing of Industry Member Daryl Kretzschmar from PPE Solutions.  Daryl has been a long-time supporter of the OAFC Trade Show, NEFEC Trade Show, FireCon Trade Show, and a big supporter of the fire service in Ontario.....read more
 
The 2020 Nominations Committee has confirmed that the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs has elected our Board of Directors for the 2020 term. Executive elections will take place during the first Board of Directors meeting on Thursday, November 21, 2019.....read more
 
October 16, 2019 -  LODD Obituary & Service Information for Municipal Law Enforcement Officer & Volunteer Firefighter James Petersen
James Petersen served the Municipality of North Grenville as a Municipal Law Enforcement Officer as well as a dedicated volunteer Firefighter. Upon returning from a call for service with the fire department, James passed suddenly at the fire station...read more.

August 1, 2019Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Names New Executive Director
On behalf of the Board of Directors, I am pleased to announce that Michelle O’Hara, long time association staff member, has been named Executive Director of the organization, replacing Richard Boyes who retired from the post after seven years....read more.
 
June 18, 2019 - Obituary & Service Information for Retired Fire Chief David George Crothers
At the Chapman House on Sunday, June 16, 2019, Mr. David George Crothers of Owen Sound at the age of 72 passed away in peace after a brief battle with cancer....read more
It is with a great deal of sadness that we announce the passing of the 5th Chief of the former North York Fire Department Joseph (Joe) Harold Gibson on Monday April 8th, 2019.
 
March 8, 2019 - Obituary: Retired Chief Edward Tellier, Belle River Fire Service
Passed away peacefully on March 6, 2019 at the age of 83....read more
 
February 11, 2019 - Kingston Fire & Rescue Announces Retirement for Deputy Fire Chief Neville Murphy
Neville Murphy, Deputy Fire Chief, will be officially retiring from the City of Kingston as of March 31st, 2019....read more.
 
February 1, 2019 - Obituary & Service Information for Retired Fire Chief Kenneth Ross Brewitt
Suddenly on Tuesday, January 29, 2019 at 61 years of age. Beloved husband of Sue Bennett. Deeply missed by his parents Ross and Sylvia of Guelph, sister Lisa of Oshawa and brother Jeff of Niagara Falls. Also missed by son Mike...read more

January 22, 2019 - Obituary & Service Information for Afzal F.(Al) Suleman
It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of a dear son, husband, father and brother. Afzal wanted all his family, friends and colleagues to know that he led a most wonderful 60 years of life with the last 30 years...read more.
 
January 3, 2019 - Obituary & Service Information for Retired M&DFD Fire Chief Brian "Spike" Johnston
It is with great sadness that we announce the recent passing of Richard Brian “Spike” Johnston. Spike served on the Meaford and District Fire Department for 35 years (1969 – 2004), with 22 years as Fire Chief....read more.
 
In an ongoing effort to promote mental health and wellness, Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR), a training program focused on first responders, is now being repositioned under The Working Mind (TWM) as The Working Mind First Responders (TWMFR)...read more.
 
 
The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs has elected their Board of Directors for the 2019 term. Executive elections will take place during the business meeting on Thursday, November 22, 2018.....read more.
 
November 8, 2018 - Obituary & Service Information for Retired Fire Chief Jack Karn
The Township and Centre Wellington Fire Rescue Services are mourning the loss of retired Fire Chief Jack Karn, father to our Deputy Chief Jonathan Karn. Jack passed away peacefully surrounded by family earlier this week. Jack started with the Fergus...read more.
 
Ajax, ON – After receiving an overwhelming response to the Jenny’s Heroes Canada – Ontario Fire Services Equipment Grant process from volunteer fire departments across Ontario, television personality Jenny Jones decided to double the grant to $50,000 from its original amount of $25,000. More than 100 applications for the grant were received and from there, six departments were chosen for various equipment needs and funding amounts.....read more
 
Passed away peacefully on Thursday, August 2nd, 2018 at the Peterborough Regional Health Centre in his 78th year. Beloved husband of Ollie for over 32 years. Loving father of Judy Ball (Fred), Mike (Michelle), Mike Wilson (Jacy) and Steve Wilson. Opa will be sadly missed...read more.
 
Ron passed away peacefully in hospital, Kingston on Sunday, August 5, 2018 at the age of 73. Beloved husband for over 46 years and best friend of Pat (Timbers) Haskins. Much loved and respected father of Mark (Angie) Haskins and Michael Haskins...read more.
 
The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs is pleased to announce that we have partnered with Jenny's Heroes Canada, an organization looking to support volunteer firefighters across Ontario by providing an equipment grant, up to $25,000!...read more
 
Wilson, Gary Lee of Port Stanley passed Friday, June 15th, 2018, at the L.H.S.C. (Victoria Campus), at the age of 59. Dearly loved husband of Dianne Lynn (Golem) Wilson and loved father of Jocelyne Asselin (Dan) and Courtnee Campbell (Brad). Proud Papa of Erik, Hunter....read more.
 
It is with heavy hearts that we send our prayers and thoughts to Debbie, Lisa, Dan, grandchildren, extended family and friends on the passing of Fire Chief Patrick Bourguignon....read more.
 
Peacefully surrounded by the love of his family, at Lee Manor Nursing Home in Owen Sound, on Friday evening, April 13th, 2018. Gordon Stewart Woods, of Owen Sound, at the age of 81 years.  Dearly loved husband of Ruth Connolly Woods...read more.
 
Ajax, ONT – After a series of fatal fires in Ontario, chief fire officers and public educators across the province are pleading with their communities to put an end to further tragedies by following simple – and life-saving – fire prevention strategies at home...read more.
 
Cobourg, Ont. – More than 20 per cent of the calls fire departments across Northumberland County received in 2015 and 2016 regarding Highway 401 emergencies resulted in no emergency situation being found, often because inaccurate information was given to 9-1-1 operators....read more
 
 
 
 
We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Robert Broadbent Fire Chief of the St. Thomas Fire Department...read more
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
September 19, 2016 The City of Guelph appoints new Fire Chief
John Osborne has been appointed Fire Chief for the City of Guelph.  Chief Osborne’s appointment came into effect on September 7th, 2016.  As Chief, he manages overall operations of the Guelph Fire Department with a total compliment  of 172 professional staff in 6 Fire Stations.
 
 
 
July 17, 2016 STATEMENT FROM THE ONTARIO ASSOCIATION OF FIRE CHIEFS - Ajax, Ontario - On behalf of Ontario’s fire chiefs, our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family, friends, and fellow firefighters of Loyalist Township Emergency Services firefighter Patrick Pidgeon. Mr. Pidgeon perished fighting a fire in Amherstview yesterday read more...
 
 
CALGARY, July 4, 2016 /CNW/ - Emergency Response Assistance Canada (ERAC), in conjunction with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) today launched a comprehensive training program aimed to ensure that Canada's first responders are prepared for incidents involving liquefied petroleum gas (LPG)....read more
 

May 13, 2016 - Obituary and Service Information for Frank Moran

February 16, 2016 - Passing of retired Fire Chief Max Hussey, Waterloo Fire Rescue, Visitation and Service Information

February 12, 2016 - Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs Announce Trainer Graduates on Leading Edge Mental Health Program
Mississauga - The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) in partnership with the Mental Health Commission of Canada (MHCC) is pleased to announce that forty first responders graduated today from the inaugural, fire service based, Road to Mental Readiness (R2MR) train-the-trainer program hosted by Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services...read more
 

January 29, 2016 - The Town of Greater Napanee Announces New Deputy Chief
The Town of Greater Napanee is pleased to announce that after an extensive search process, Assistant Chief John Koenig has accepted the position as the Town's next Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Services...read more

The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) is please to announce a partnership with the Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) to support the development of a regional training centre network and the updating of hazard curriculum to NFPA standards...read more
The Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) is pleased to announce a partnership with the Public Services Health and Safety Association (PSHSA) to support the development of a regional training centre network and the updating of high hazard curriculum to NFPA standards. - See more at: http://www.oafc.on.ca/pshsa-and-oafc-partner-provide-improved-training-access-centralized-services-and-revised-high-hazard#sthash.qqR733ot.dpuf