New Deputy brings 30+ years of firefighting experience and Labour Relations knowledge.
The Town of Cobourg is pleased to announce that effective, Monday June 19, 2023, Kevin Ashfield will be appointed to Deputy Fire Chief of the Cobourg Fire Department.
Deputy Ashfield comes from the Toronto Fire Service where he held the position of Captain since 2018. During his career, Deputy Ashfield has dedicated himself to emergency services and community wellbeing through his commitment to numerous committees. Deputy Ashfield has held the position of Chair of the Provincial Fire Fighters Association Health and Safety Committee and Co-Chair of the Ministry of Labour Fire Services Section 21Committee.
He is the recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Federal Government Fire Services 30-year Exemplary Service Medal and the Provincial Government Fire Services 30-year Long Service Medal.
“I am very proud of our Cobourg Fire Department’s commitment to community safety and wellbeing,” says Tracey Vaughan, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Cobourg. “Under the leadership of Chief Ellard Beaven, our fire department has made tremendous operational improvements to ensure the protection of our firefighters. We are truly fortunate to be able to benefit from Mr. Ashfield’s extensive history with the Toronto Fire Service, the largest fire service in Canada. We look forward to welcoming him to the team and benefiting from his contributions to the Cobourg Fire Department and the Town of Cobourg.
The Town of Cobourg completed a comprehensive recruitment process for the Deputy Fire Chief position. Five candidates were interviewed and two short listed. Applicants were screened for their experience and abilities as well as the key qualifications that would enhance the overall effectiveness of the Cobourg Fire Services. Of the five candidates reviewed, Deputy Ashfield’s leadership in fire suppression and labour relations experience gained from his time on the Ministry of Labour Fire Services Section 21 Committee were felt would most benefit the Cobourg Fire Department and its staff.
“I am pleased to announce the appointment of Kevin Ashfield to the position of Deputy Fire Chief,” says Chief Ellard Beaven.
“Deputy Chief Ashfield’s extensive experience as a suppression officer will enhance our operational abilities and ensure our staff are trained to respond to all emergencies safely. Having a Deputy Chief with such well rounded knowledge in suppression, heavy urban search and rescue, labour relations and health and safety will benefit the Cobourg fire Department and the community we serve.”
Deputy Ashfield’s first day with the Town of Cobourg will be Monday June 19, 2023.
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
