Toronto City Council has unanimously approved the appointment of Jim Jessop as Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services (TFS), effective Thursday, January 2, 2025, reporting to the Deputy City Manager, Community and Social Services.
As Fire Chief and General Manager, Jessop will oversee all aspects of TFS, the largest fire service in Canada, and uphold its mission to protect life, property and the environment through education, prevention and emergency response.
With nearly 30 years of progressive experience in firefighting, emergency response and fire safety management, Jessop currently serves as Deputy Fire Chief and Director, Operations, Training and Technical Operations with TFS.
Among his many accomplishments at the City of Toronto, Jessop served as Acting Fire Chief and General Manager from August 2020 to April 2022, led the development of the 2021 and 2022 Toronto Fire Service Capital and Operating Budgets, championed the review of recruitment and promotion processes, which resulted in an increase of applicants from equity deserving groups, and served as the Senior Officer at several large-scale emergencies and events.
Jessop began his career at the City in 1996 as a Firefighter, departing in 2001. Before rejoining the City in 2015, Jessop worked for the Government of Ontario as Assistant Deputy Minister – Fire Marshal and Chief, Emergency Management of Ontario. Jessop also held leadership roles with the City of Niagara Falls and the City of London. He holds a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Kinesiology and a Masters of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of Western Ontario, and a Masters Business Administration (MBA) from Brock University.
Quotes:
“Chief Jessop is an accomplished, strategic and passionate public sector leader who has long shown his commitment to excellence. I am confident that Jim will use his nearly 30 years of experience daily to keep our communities safe.”
– Paul Johnson, City Manager
“Thanks to Toronto City Council for entrusting me to lead the Toronto Fire Service – the largest fire service in Canada – into its next chapter. Together, we will continue to protect residents, visitors and businesses against all hazards through preparedness, prevention, public education and emergency response.”
– Jim Jessop, Incoming Fire Chief and General Manager, Toronto Fire Services
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