Later this month, Don Carter will join Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) as Deputy Chief of Operations and Training.
“We are thrilled to welcome Deputy Carter to Kingston Fire and Rescue, bringing with him more than 30 years of distinguished firefighting service and dedication to public safety,” said KFR Fire Chief Monique Belair. “Don is a diligent, thorough individual who will serve the Kingston community well.”
Deputy Carter will be a member of the KFR Fire Management Team and play an integral part of planning, organizing, coordinating and directing the day-to-day operations of KFR, according to a release from the City of Kingston. Deputy Carter is well-versed in fire department operating guidelines, emergency support services, regulations, public education, policies and applicable standards, the City said. Carter will begin his new role on Monday, Aug. 21, 2023.
According to the City, Deputy Carter comes to KFR from Belleville Fire & Emergency Services (BFES), where he most recently served as Deputy Fire Chief of Emergency Response. He began his career as a volunteer firefighter in 1992 with Belleville, transitioning to a full-time urban firefighter role in 2000.
Deputy Carter played a key role in developing BFES’s robust training system, the City stated. He represented Belleville Fire & Emergency Services on the provincial branch of the National Fire Protection Association 1006 Ice/Surface and Swift Water Advisory Committee. Deputy Carter also served as chair of Belleville’s Bereavement Committee.
“In his three decades of service, Don has had many achievements, including his extensive experience working on committees focused on training for emergency workers,” Chief Belair said. “He has demonstrated in-depth knowledge of standards and training requirements and his insight and expertise will be significant assets to KFR.”
The City said that one of Deputy Carter’s first priorities will be to ensure all members of KFR are trained to the appropriate levels to meet the legislative requirements for Fire Service Certification Standards coming to Ontario on July 1, 2026.