Richmond Hill Fire & Emergency Services. Serving the residents of Richmond Hill, Ontario. This account is not monitored 24/7. In an emergency please call 911.
Thank you Frontline workers!!
Amazing show of support today for
@MackenzieHealth
! Thank you to
@YRP
,
@YorkParamedics
and our amazing community for showing just how much we appreciate our health care workers!! It was almost 10 minutes straight of vehicles!!!
Congratulations to Chief Burbidge, who has been appointed Fire Chief by Council this week. Chief Burbidge started with us as a deputy in 2012 and has been Interim Fire Chief since May, 2021. Congratulations Chief we look forward to the future!
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Captain/Acting Platoon Chief Shawn LaRue. Our hearts are heavy as we think of his family and friends. You will be greatly missed Shawn.
We’re please to welcome
@ChiefRaeburn
to
#RHFES
as our newest Deputy Fire Chief. Deputy Raeburn comes to us from Innisfil Fire, where he is currently Fire Chief, and has over 25 years in the fire service. We look forward to Deputy Raeburn joining us. Welcome aboard!
Welcome to Richmond Hill Deputy! We’re happy to officially welcome Deputy Chief
@DCRaeburn
to
#RHFES
. DC Raeburn started yesterday and will be responsible for our Suppression and Communications divisions. We’re looking forward to great days ahead...congrats! 🥳
Firefighters are exposed to significant trauma as a result of their work and require resources and skills to protect their psychological health. You don't have to be a rock. If you are struggling, reach out and talk.
#BellLetsTalk
With Chief Kraft's departure, we're happy to announce that Deputy Chief Bryan Burbidge has been named Interim Fire Chief effective today. Congrats Chief!
It is with heavy hearts that we mourn the loss of retired Platoon Chief William Wilson. Bill retired in 2015 after 36 years with RHFES. You will be missed, but we have it from here Chief. RIP
Today
@ChiefKraft
announced he will be leaving us after 33 years of service to
#RichmondHill
. He started as a volunteer in 1987 and was hired fulltime in 1988. He has been a Captain, qualified Platoon Chief, Deputy and for the last 10 years, our Fire Chief.
After 21 years as a firefighter, captain and platoon chief, today he officially begins the next chapter in his RHFES story - as our newest Deputy Fire Chief! On behalf of Chief Burbidge and the entire RHFES team, congratulations Chief Bennett!
Congratulations to Captain West who retires today after 33 years of service! One of our longest serving Captains, Dave has had a big impact in firefighter health and safety and mental health. Thank you! Congratulations on your retirement...you will be missed!
On behalf of Chief Burbidge, we’re thrilled to announce Platoon Chief Bennett has been promoted to Deputy Chief! Joe joined RHFES in 2000 as a recruit Firefighter, progressed to Captain in 2016 and Platoon Chief in 2021. He has been & will continue to be a great asset & leader!
Congratulations to Captain Burford who is working his last shift today before retirement!! Thank you for over 30 years of service. RHFES, and Platoon D in particular are going to miss you Darren...congrats and enjoy!! 🥳👨🚒🚒
We’re celebrating a retirement today! Congratulations to Firefighter James Willard as he works his last shift today. Thank you for over 31 years of service! We wish you all the best and hope you enjoy your next chapter 🥳
Our thoughts & prayers are with the family and friends of the firefighter who lost his life today answering the call, and with the entire Buffalo Fire Department family.
#LODD
Today we got to celebrate 34 years of service as Platoon Chief Taverner worked his last shift before retirement! Thank you for everything. You will be missed...but...CONGRATULATIONS ERIC!!!!!🥳🎈🎂
Congratulations to Deputy Ellsworth who ran his last
#RichmondHill
COVID meeting as EOC Director this morning! He's off to a couple weeks vacation before he officially retires after over 30 years in emergency services. Congratulations Brian...ENJOY!
Congratulations to Firefighter Massey who finished his last shift with RHFES this morning! We hope retirement will treat you well. You, your smile and especially your laugh will be missed Scott! Congratulations and enjoy!!
It’s been a few years since we’ve been able to gather to celebrate and recognize our new recruits, and our current staff for promotions, retirements and years of service but today got that chance! Thank you all who attended and have supported over the last few years!!
The training room is set! This coming Monday, we will welcome 18 new recruits to RHFES, including the 16 new firefighters approved by City Council as part of 2022 Operating Budget.
Our
#RHRecruit2021
had their 'graduation' a little sooner than expected. They completed their accelerate training on Friday and hit the trucks this week. Don't worry though, we'll continue our
#MeetOurRecruits
until you've met all! Congratulations to our 12 newest firefighters!!
The room is ready as we grow again! Today we welcome our second class of firefighter recruits in 2021! Stay tuned over the next 12 weeks as we follow along with their training and introduce them all.
Congratulations to this guy 👇as he's working his last shift with
#RHFES
today! Captain Reid is retiring after over 32 years of service to Richmond Hill. Please join us in congratulating Rob on his retirement. Best of luck Rob...enjoy, enjoy, enjoy!! 🥳🎈
Congratulations to Captain Hadwen on his promotion to Platoon Chief! Today he’s working his first shift as the official Platoon Chief of Platoon C! Congrats Jim!!!
Lots of exciting things happening this week for
#RHFES
including welcoming a new face to the team. Ralph Dominelli started with us on Monday in the role of Interim Deputy Chief. Welcome aboard Chief!
Congratulations to Firefighter Watson who works his last shift today after 31 years of service. Congratulations Andrew...we hope you enjoy every moment of your retirement!
Another retirement! CFPO Randy Pyle started with RHFES as a Dispatcher. He later moved to Fire Prevention as an Inspector, was promoted to Captain & to Chief in 2004. Congratulations Randy! Thank you for all your efforts to make Richmond Hill safe over the last 30 years...enjoy!
Congratulations and thank you Deputy Dominelli for spending the last 8 months with us! Can’t believe it has been that long already, but you were an amazing asset, helping and supporting us during changes in our management team. You will be missed!!
Congratulations to our 10 recruits who completed their 14 weeks of training today! Though we weren't able to have our usual graduation ceremony, they did receive their certificates and helmets from Deputies Burbidge & Raeburn as well as a virtual greeting from
@ChiefKraft
!
Approx. 20% of fire fighters & paramedics meet criteria for PTSD at some point during their careers, compared to 6.8% of the general population. Be a good listener, ask how you can help or simply just be there for those you care about.
#BellLetsTalk
Today is a tough one as we say goodbye to a brother, friend and family member taken from us way too soon. We extend our deepest sympathies and continued love and support to Shawn’s family and friends.
Congratulations to Platoon Chief Darryl Rice as he works his last shift today! PC Rice started his career with
#RichmondHill
in 1991 & successfully worked his way up the ranks over the last 30 years. Congratulations on your retirement Darryl...you will be missed!
Congratulations to
#RHFES
newest Acting Captain! A/C Forfar was presented with his red captain’s helmet today by Platoon Chief Hadwen. Congrats Ryan! You’ll make an awesome captain!
Congratulations to Captain Kitchen on his retirement! Starting as a firefighter on April 15, 1991, he was promoted to Captain on April 1, 2003 and was one of the original members and leaders of our Technical Rescue Team out of Station 8-4. Congratulations Keith!!
Congratulations to Captain Bennett who has been promoted and is officially the new Platoon Chief of Platoon A as of today!
Captain Bennett began his career in 2000, became an Acting Captain in 2008, Captain in 2016, Acting Platoon Chief in June 2019, and now Platoon Chief.
Today 36 new names were added to the wall at the Ontario Fallen Firefighters Memorial, those who made the ultimate sacrifice, including retired Platoon Chief Bill Wilson. They will never be forgotten.
Congratulations to Captain Harrison as he works his last shift today after almost 34 years of service!! Captain Harrison has been a mentor to many, a great team member and a well-respected officer and we will definitely miss his positive attitude and work ethic. Congrats Glenn!!!
In the midst of everything that is going on we want to send a BIG congrats to Captain Smith who worked his last shift yesterday after over 30 years of service! Congratulations on your retirement Andrew!! We will miss you but know that you will enjoy this next chapter!!!
Congratulations to Platoon Chief Clifford! PC Clifford works his first shift today as the new platoon chief of Platoon D. He was presented with his white helmet by Chief Burbidge, Deputies Raeburn & Dominelli. Retiring PC Rice was also present to hand over command of his platoon!
In recognition of
#FirstRespondersDay
we give a big shout out to our partners
@YRP
@YorkParamedics
and our neighbouring fire departments. Thank you to first responders everywhere for showing up every day and serving your communities!
We’re so excited that tomorrow morning we get to meet the participants of our first ever
#ProjectBlaze
! We’re looking forward to spending the next three days introducing them to all areas of the fire service and hopefully inspire some (or all!) to explore a future with us!
Yesterday was for the moms…so why not follow up today with the kids?? This little one came to visit our newest truck at the
@ONFireChiefs
trade show this weekend. Do we spy a future firefighter?!👨🚒 🚒
Congratulations to Captain Meenan! After over 32 years of service today he works his last shift. Starting in 1988, promoted to Captain in 2015 and responsible for many Santa Claus Parade floats...he is someone you can count on. Congratulations John, but you will be missed!!
Congratulations to
#RHFES
newest Captain! A strong advocate for health and safety, and firefighter survival, Captain Sparks will be leading Platoon D’s crew at Station 8-2. Congratulations Tim!
With multiple units affected, multiple families have been impacted. We are currently working with our partners
@YorkRegionGovt
@redcrosscanada
to provide assistance to those families impacted. To all those impacted, we are thinking of you.
It was a tough day to fight a fire, but crews responded, along with mutual aid from
@CentralYorkFire
@VaughanFire
to fight a difficult fire. Unfortunately multiple units were affected, but luckily no injuries to residents or firefighters were reported.
Congratulations to Firefighter Nomura who works his last shift! Richard retires today after serving
#RichmondHill
for 32 years! He was actively involved in rescue disciplines, being Platoon A’s Water/Ice Water Rescue
#ShiftTrainingInstructor
for the last few years. Congrats 🥳
We've all been making adjustments throughout the last few months. Last week we made another change. Residents will now see us responding wearing our SCBA masks to calls other than fire calls. So, if we show up and don't look like you expect us to...don't be alarmed!
Today we delivered our 1st ever motorized fire truck to retired Captain Bob Campbell. This 1924 truck was returned to RHFD in 1998. Captain Campbell and his crew spent the next 3 years restoring it. 20 years later its now getting some touch-ups so it can be enjoyed by all!
A tough day as we said goodbye to a friend, co-worker, brother and amazing man. Our thoughts are with Bill’s family and friends during this time. Thank you for everything Bill...you will be greatly missed. RIP Chief.
Congratulations
@ChiefKraft
! We held a little COVID style celebration today as we say goodbye. For video of our celebration check out the FacebookLive video. Best of luck on your
@MississaugaFES
adventure!
Our newest addition looking all shiny and pretty at
@ONFireChiefs
Trade Show this weekend! Keep your eyes on Richmond Hill streets in the near future to see it in action!
#OAFC2022
First responders are always there to help on someone’s worst day. It’s not always easy, but we continue to serve our communities the best we can. Today we give a big shout out to all our emergency services partners! Thank you for all that you do!
#FirstRespondersDay
Today we gathered to say goodbye to a man who has been such a big part of, and did so much for our community. We were proud to play a part in the service for former Mayor Barrow. Thank you Dave for everything.
#ItsAllAboutCommunity
We want to thank emergency dispatchers and call takers everywhere for the work that they do. They are always heard but rarely seen. They are the heroes behind the scene.
#NationalPublicSafetyTelecommunicatorsWeek
#ThankYou
It isn't everyday that all our trucks and suppression staff are in one spot - Sunday we got that chance. Looks like we might need a wider tarmac though...all the trucks wouldn't fit! 🤷♀️ Thanks for the great shot Platoon A!! 🚒🔥👨🚒👩🚒
We have a new Captain to congratulate! Since he started in 2000, John Darragh has been an exceptional mentor to new firefighters. His positive attitude & passion for firefighting have been an excellent example for new firefighters to strive to achieve. We are lucky to have you!
Congratulations Platoon Chief McGee! PC McGee is working his last shift after over 33 years!! He started in ‘88 as a firefighter, was promoted to Captain in ‘95, to Platoon Chief in ‘09 and has been the leader of Platoon A since then. Congratulations Jamie!! You will be missed!
A special
#ValentinesDay
present today for our newest Platoon Chief! PC Catoul works his first shift with his new Platoon A today and was presented with his white helmet by Chief Burbidge, Deputies Bennett, Raeburn, & Dominelli and his designated APC St. John. Congrats John!!!
Retirement Alert! Firefighter Casey is officially retired as of this morning! After spending over 31 years serving RHFES and
#RichmondHill
as a firefighter and member of
@RHPFFA
#HonourGuard
, he's moving on to the next chapter. Thank you Paul for everything...enjoy!!! 🥳
Mariska left a corporate career in digital marketing to pursue her true passion to become a firefighter and is excited to be here! She lives in King with her family and participates in adventure races to support fundraising for different causes.
#RHRecruit2021
#MeetOurRecruits
Congratulations to Alarm Room Operator John Crawford who worked his last shift with
#RHFES
today! After over 28 years of service we wish you the best in the next chapter...happy retirement John!!
What does 175 years of service look like? Like this 👇! Congratulations to:
30 Years - Captains Harrison & McNeil, FF Puk
25 Years - APC Roper
20 Years - Captain Beelik, FF Farsalas & FF Roxborough
...on the receipt of your Long Service & Exemplary Service Medals!
Tomorrow we
#RememberThem
, but today we remember our own for their service. To all our own who have been involved with our armed forces, including Fire Inspector Vince Tripp who spent over 22 years and multiple deployments overseas...THANK YOU!!!
It was two years ago today that we lost a member of our family. Your laugh, smile and memory are still with us every day though. Thinking of the LaRue family today as we remember all the good times with Shawn. Miss you.
@RHPFFA
Another helmet presentation is in the books! This morning new Acting Platoon Chief Tim Sparks was presented with his white helmet by Chief Burbidge, Deputies Bennett, Raeburn & Dominelli, and CTO Downing. APC Sparks will work with with PC Morris on Platoon B. Congrats Tim!!
The first ones to answer the call for help, the voices that bring calm to chaos. We'd like to introduce you to just a few of the amazing voices on the other end of the line!
#NationalPublicSafetyTelecommunicatorsWeek
Four years ago today we lost a friend a brother - Captain Shawn LaRue. He was larger than life and had an impact on everyone who worked with him, especially his crew and Platoon B. We still carry him with us every day, and are thinking of his family and friends today and always.
Congratulations to Firefighter Tim Jackson who works his last shift today! Firefighter Jackson started his full time career with RHFES in 1989. Tim’s experience, knowledge & positive attitude will be missed by everyone who worked with him. Congratulations on retirement Tim!
Congratulations to Firefighter Faulkner - our newest Acting Captain! A/C Faulkner will be the designated acting captain for Captain Byrne and the Platoon B crew on 831. Congrats Bryan!!
Congratulations to Firefighter Salidas! FF Salidas was one of the successful candidates in our recent company officer qualifying process. Yesterday he received his red helmet from PC Hadwen. Congrats Brandon!!
Congratulations Captain Roper! After successfully completing a qualification process, Captain Roper is our newest Acting Platoon Chief and will join PC Hadwen in leading Platoon C. Congratulations Mark!!