FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Jan. 15, 2015
New fire chief receives warm welcome
KITCHENER – As he steps into his new role, the Kitchener Fire Department’s new fire chief has been receiving a warm welcome from staff and council this week. Jon Rehill joined the department after serving the Cambridge Fire Department for many years, most recently as its deputy chief.
“Jon is a forward-thinking, people-focused leader with over 23 years of experience in the fire service,” noted Michael May, deputy chief administrative officer for the City of Kitchener. “Jon’s experience and education will no doubt serve him well as Kitchener’s new fire chief, but it is his progressive vision for a department built on collaboration and partnerships that will have the most positive impact on our community.”
Prior to becoming deputy chief in Cambridge, Rehill was the chief public education officer and a firefighter within Cambridge’s suppression division. He has also served as the City of Cambridge’s community emergency management coordinator and has a master’s degree in disaster and emergency management from York University.
“I’m really excited to join the Kitchener fire team and to work in partnership with our firefighters, our community partners and our residents to keep Kitchener safe,” said Rehill. “Together, we will ensure that the Kitchener Fire Department is an industry leader in innovation, collaboration, skills development and the efficient delivery of vital emergency services.”
A resident of Kitchener for 14 years and a graduate of Wilfrid Laurier University, Mr. Rehill has led a wide variety of fire service functions, including: suppression, public education, fire prevention, communications, training and mechanical.
“For the past 160 years, our community has been incredibly lucky to have such a strong team of dedicated, professional and highly skilled firefighters who work every day to respond to the needs of our residents and to keep our community safe,” May concluded. “As Kitchener’s new fire chief, Jon will ensure we continue that strong tradition of community service while positioning the fire department for future challenges we know we will face in the years ahead.”
The Kitchener Fire Department has an annual budget of $30 million and it includes 220 staff working out of seven fire stations.
For more information:
Jana Miller
Executive Director| Office of the Chief Administrator | City of Kitchener
519.741.2200 x7231 | TTY 1.866.969.9994 | jana.miller@kitchener.ca