The Director of Protection Services and new Fire Chief both started their new positions with the Municipality of Port Hope on Monday, August 29, 2022.
Jason Williams has been hired as Director, Protective Services and Jeff Ogden has been promoted to Fire Chief.
CAO David Smith. “Both individuals bring strong leadership and expertise to their roles, with a wealth of municipal experience and dedication to ongoing education and training. We look forward to working alongside both later this summer.”
Smith stated in a release that previously, the Director and Fire Chief positions were combined under one employee portfolio at the Municipality. A recent organizational structure change has split this position to create a dedicated Fire Chief of Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services, which is a division of the Protective Services Department. Protective Services also includes the Building and Municipal Law Enforcement Divisions, and the portfolio also assumes responsibility of Emergency Management for the Municipality.
Today’s Northumberland caught up with both Williams and Ogden at the Port Hope Firehall on Ontario Street on Monday morning.
Williams started his career off as a member of the Ontario Provincial Police in 1999. Then moved on to the Ministry of Labour where he was an investigator/instructor. Williams then became a investigator with the Office of the Fire Marshal and recently was Fire Prevent Officer with the Belleville Fire Department.
Williams holds a Bachelor of Fire Science Degree from Eastern Kentucky University. Additionally, he has obtained certifications from both Humber College and Seneca College in the field of Fire Services. Throughout his career, he has continued with professional development including obtaining certifications in Fire Prevention and Investigation, Community Emergency Management Co-ordinator, Certified Municipal Manager III, Certified Trainer, and others.
He also has an extensive professional teaching experience at the Ontario Fire College, Seneca College, and the Ontario Ministry of Labour along with his experience at the Fire Marshall’s office.
Williams said he will be working closely with the Fire Chief, Chief Building Official and Municipal By-Law.
With Williams background, he sees it as a good combination moving forward.
“It’s a good combination of experience, being with law enforcement, with fire and then the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office which is the authority having jurisdiction over all fire departments in Ontario. So I think I bring a wide array experience in training and be able to work with our team members here and do a great job.”
Ogden previously worked for the Brighton Fire Department for 25-years before coming to Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services in January 2021.
As a member of the fire service, Ogden has held the positions of Captain, Fire Investigator, Fire Prevention, Training Officer, Interim Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief. Ogden has completed the Dalhousie Fire Service Leadership Certificate, Fire Investigator, Fire Prevention and Inspection and Community Emergency Management Certification, amongst many other fire service training programs.
Working with Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services for nearly two-years, Ogden said, “it’s been busy.”
“Port Hope has got a little bit of everything in the community. We’ve had some different calls. They have a great crew and a great council to work with. It’s a great place to work.”
Coming from another area along the lakeshore that has rail lines going through along with Highway 401 the hazards are pretty much the same.
Ogden said there are busy times ahead with the fire master plan just coming out with a number of items being implemented.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
