Bryan Burbidge promoted to Richmond Hill fire chief

Former chief Steve Kraft stepped down in May

Yorkregion.com
Oct. 15, 2021
Yoyo Yan

The City of Richmond Hill has appointed Bryan Burbidge as fire chief, effective Oct. 12, 2021. Burbidge has been serving as interim fire chief since May 2021 after former chief Steve Kraft stepped down.

Burbidge has an extensive background in firefighting. He started with Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services in Aug. 2012. Prior to this, he was the fire chief of King Fire and Emergency Services for six years, and spent four years as the deputy chief of Georgina Fire and Emergency Services. He has more than 19 years of experience as a high-ranking officer and 30 years of experience in the fire service.

Since joining Richmond Hill, Burbidge has been responsible for every aspect of the fire department, including Fire Suppression, Dispatch, Fire Prevention and Education, Emergency Management and Training, Mechanical and Facilities.

In addition to his daily duties, he has been providing leadership and guidance to the city in managing the COVID-19 pandemic response. He has also been an executive member of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, a position elected by the deputy and fire chiefs across Ontario.

Richmond Hill council approved the appointment at the Oct. 13 council meeting.

Richmond Hill Fire and Emergency Services responds to approximately 5,500 emergency incidents annually from six fire stations located across the city.

The department is comprised of front-line fire fighters, trainers, fire prevention officers, public education and administrative personnel, as well as deputy chiefs and chief.