New Pickering Fire Chief Steve Boyd takes over June 1

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Published May 4, 2022 at 3:27 pm

Pickering is getting a new Fire Chief as of June 1.

Steve Boyd, who has 35 years of experience in the fire business – including the last five in Pickering – will be promoted from Deputy Fire Chief following the retirement of John Hagg on May 31.

Boyd cut his teeth in firefighting in Oshawa, where he rose through the ranks to Fire Captain, Fire Inspector, Training Officer and finally Deputy Chief before taking the lateral job offer in Pickering in 2017.

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

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 department’s new headquarters – Fire Station #1 – 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 better pinpoint areas that require additional focus in terms of education, enforcement and response.

“We are very excited about the new fire hall, which will be the first new hall in the city in 25 years. Geographically central to the future growth of Pickering, it will allow our crews to improve response times and service coverage across the city.”

With a strong vision for the future, proven fire command experience and an understanding of each division’s role, Boyd said he looks forward to taking Pickering Fire Services to new heights.

 

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