Ottawa’s Fire Chief announces retirement

After countless honours spanning an illustrious 35-year career, Ottawa Fire Services Chief, John deHooge, has announced he will retire on January 31, 2015. He has led the department since his appointment as Ottawa’s Fire Chief in 2009.

“Drawing on his considerable experience as Fire Chief in the City of Waterloo and as Deputy Fire Chief for the Town of Oakville, Chief deHooge has been a strong and progressive leader during his time in Ottawa,” said Mayor Jim Watson. “His focus has been on ensuring the safety of residents and visitors to the city. On behalf of my colleagues on Council, I wish John all the best as he retires to spend more time with family and friends.”

During his tenure, Chief deHooge has overseen a host of initiatives, promoting better service through inclusion and workplace culture, developing a mental health awareness program, overseeing the launch of two new fire stations, improving communications to staff, and strengthening partnerships with the Ottawa Police Service and Ottawa Paramedic Services through the Joint Emergency Services Operations Advisory Group. He has also helped the City to become the largest composite fire service in Canada to receive accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International.

“John has shown exemplary leadership in his years as Fire Chief,” said Councillor Mark Taylor, Chair of the Community and Protective Services Committee. “He has positioned the Ottawa Fire Service to actively respond to the challenges of today while constantly innovating to ensure we will be ready for tomorrow.”

While the Chief leaves behind an exceptional management team, the City of Ottawa will begin the process of restaffing this demanding and complex role.