Georgina has new fire chief in Pefferlaw's Ron Jenkins

YorkRegion.com
June 2, 2015
Heidi Riedner  

Pefferlaw native Ron Jenkins will switch out his volunteer firefighter hat for that of Fire Chief in Georgina starting July 1.

But the 34-year veteran firefighter brings plenty of big-city experience to Georgina Fire Department's top post, leaving his most recent position with the City of Toronto Fire service as deputy chief.

Jenkins will take over the reins of Georgina's composite department that includes 40 full-time and 60 volunteer firefighters from retiring Fire Chief Steve Richardson, whose last day on the job was Friday.

“We are very excited that Mr. Jenkins will be taking on this rewarding and challenging role with the town," CAO Winnane Grant said.

"During the recruitment process, it was clear that Mr. Jenkins demonstrated the experience and leadership skills that we were looking for. Though we are sad that Chief Richardson is leaving, I am confident that Mr. Jenkins will continue the strong legacy of fire service in Georgina.”

A volunteer firefighter with the town since 1992, Jenkins was the Pefferlaw station's volunteer district chief.

Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Toronto Fire service since 2009, Jenkins has held the positions of District Chief, Platoon Chief and Division Commander after the service's amalgamation in 1999.

Jenkins began his career with the City of York Fire Department in 1981, working as a firefighter before rising through the ranks to Captain and then Acting Platoon Chief.

During his 34-year career, Jenkins attained Chief Fire Officer designation from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs as well as certified municipal manager (CMM III) designation from the Ontario Municipal Management Institute, with specific designations as fire service executive and fire suppression professional.

He is a member of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and the International Association of Fire Chiefs.

Jenkins’ first day on the job as Georgina's Fire Chief and emergency services director is July 1.

Georgina Deputy Chief Michael Rozario is acting fire chief in the interim.