Belleville firefighters lost a respected friend and co-worker on Easter weekend.
Deputy Fire Chief Jim Young died after he was transported to Kingston General Hospital late last week for emergency medical care.
Fire Chief Dan Smith said in an online post on X it is “with great sadness Belleville announces the passing of Deputy Chief Jim Young. We honour his legacy. Jim Young – a man that brought calm to the chaos this world delivers.”
Young joined the city fire department in July 2003 after spending decades in the fire service in Prince Edward County.
The City of Belleville said Tuesday morning in a statement the loss of Young’s professional leadership has left a big hole in the municipal fire service.
“It is with profound sadness that Belleville Fire and Emergency Services and the City of Belleville mourns the loss of Deputy Fire Chief Jim Young.”
“In just two short years, Deputy Young became a driving force in making Belleville’s fire service best in class. He will be remembered for his sense of calm during times of distress, his passion for firefighter development and his dedication to improving the fire service. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him. Our hearts go out to his loved ones, his fire-family and everyone he has impacted in life along the way.”
Deputy Chief Young brought more than 30 years of experience to the role, having served previously as volunteer firefighter, career firefighter, captain and as a chief training officer.
A true lifelong learner, he was an instructor with the Ontario Fire College starting in 2005 and over the years provided firefighter skills training to Belleville’s firefighters at the local Regional Training Centre.
In his latest role with Belleville, Young was responsible for fire prevention, strategic projects and assumed a lead role in transitioning Belleville out of the fire dispatch business.
Condolences were many across social media at news of Young’s passing by those who worked closely with him including members of Prince Edward Fire and Rescue and CUPE 1824 paramedics.
The flags at City Hall, the Quinte Sports and Wellness Centre and all fire stations will be lowered until further notice in his honour, the city said.