Markham Fire and Emergency Services Chief Adam J. Grant named Ontario’s Chief of the Year

Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs recognizes Grant for strides in modernizing city’s fire service

Yorkregion.com
Feb. 9, 2023
Irene Wong

Markham Fire and Emergency Services Chief Adam J. Grant has been named Ontario’s Chief of the Year.

He was awarded by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs for his outstanding leadership and contributions. OAFC represents the chief fire officers from 441 fire departments across the province.

“Congratulations, Fire Chief Adam Grant,” said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Markham is proud of you and your outstanding efforts in continuing to champion equity, diversity and inclusion within the fire service. Thank you for your dedication and commitment to ensuring our community is safe.”

A veteran of MFES for the past 17 years, Grant has previously served in the roles of deputy fire chief and emergency management co-ordinator. He has been instrumental in leading the city’s Emergency Operations Centre through the COVID pandemic. Since his appointment to fire chief in November 2020, Grant has led innovative initiatives, including introduction of a new auxiliary vehicle equipped with the DRAGO to the Markham fleet.

DRAGO shoots mist over 200 feet at a width of 50 feet, and is operated by two firefighters. Markham’s DRAGO is a first in North America.

Since July 2021, MFES and Barrie Fire and Emergency Service have been co-operating to provide 24-7 emergency call-taking and dispatch service to Markham. The agreement allows MFES to improve its responsiveness, realize capital savings, and assists in the modernization of emergency services.

MFES also signed an agreement with Humber College in November 2021, which offers eight scholarships for racialized Markham students to study and train for employment as a Markham firefighter.

“Chief Grant is the consummate professional and he has made great strides in modernizing Markham’s fire service. It’s nice to see his efforts recognized by his peers, as reflected with this award,” said Markham chief administrative officer Andy Taylor.