Caledon hires new Deputy Fire Chief

Jeff Fairbarn moving from role of Fire Chief in Adjala-Tosorontio

By ZACHARY ROMAN

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Caledon has hired a new deputy fire chief. 

In a December 5 media release, the Town announced it hired Jeff Fairbarn to assume the role. His first day on the job will be December 18.

Fairbarn has over 14 years of fire service experience and is currently fire chief of Adjala-Tosorontio Fire and Emergency Services. In the past, he's worked for Innisfil Fire, the Fire and Emergency Services Training Institute, Greater Toronto Airports Authority, and Richmond Hill Fire.

Fairbarn also spent a little over a year with Caledon Fire and Emergency Services as a captain and training Officer. 

Caledon's outgoing Fire Chief Dave Forfar said it's great that Fairbarn has experience in the community. 

“With Deputy Chief Dave Pelayo ascending to take on the role of fire chief when I retire, the team was in search of a talented leader, and we are pleased that Jeff was the candidate chosen to fill this role and look forward to his leadership and experience helping move our fire training and emergency management programs forward,” said Forfar.

On November 17, the Town of Caledon announced it had appointed Dave Pelayo as its new fire chief.

Pelayo, who is currently Caledon's Deputy Fire Chief of Fire Prevention and Training, will take over from Forfar on December 18.

The Town's release notes Fairbarn's success in Dalhousie University's Fire Service Leadership Program and Harvard University's Management Essentials Program. Fairbarn is also currently studying Fire Service Executive Management at Humber College and business administration at York University.

Pelayo said Fairbarn was instrumental in Caledon Fire's National Fire Prevention Association certification program for training firefighters. 

“Bringing Jeff back to our team as a deputy chief provides stability and familiarity and will continue the progress we've made with fire training,” said Pelayo. “I look forward to working with Jeff and the other deputies as we lead our Caledon Fire team, protecting and ensuring our community is safe.”