Back to SearchThe City of Kenora is proud to announce the appointment of Gordon Howard as its new Director of Fire and Emergency Services and Fire Chief. With over sixteen years of dedicated experience in fire and emergency services, Chief Howard comes with a great depth of knowledge and leadership to support our community.
His training as a paramedic with the Canadian Armed Forces coupled with significant firefighting and rescue operation experience makes him an experienced leader capable of performing in high-pressure situations. Notably, Chief Howard has successfully led emergency management efforts for large-scale events, demonstrating his ability to coordinate resources and personnel effectively under difficult and taxing circumstances.
Chief Howard officially assumes his role on January 6, 2025, and is eager to engage with the local community and to lead the dedicated and hard-working members of the City’s Fire and Emergency Services Department.
The City would like to extend our sincere gratitude to Dexter Hupe for his devoted service to our community as Acting Fire Chief since September 2024. Dexter will return to his role as Deputy Fire Chief, continuing to support our Fire and Emergency Services with his valuable experience.
Before joining the City of Kenora, Chief Howard most recently served as Fire Chief in the Town of Gananoque, Ontario. His previous roles as Deputy Fire Chief in Rideau Lakes and as Director of Emergency Services and Fire Chief in Iqaluit, Nunavut, have equipped him with a well-rounded understanding of both the operational and strategic aspects of fire and emergency services. Under his leadership, he has successfully overseen personnel management, policy development, change management, training and fire prevention efforts, and financial and administrative oversight.
Chief Howard has a strong background in medical first response, given his experience as a paramedic as well as a Rescue Technician and Training Officer at Ignis Services Canada Inc. His experience as a Firefighter and coordinating training with the Meaford and District Fire Department involved leading emergency response, recruitment training, pre-incident planning, and fire prevention activities. His leadership and experience will help enhance the City’s approach to emergency first aid and medical first response.
Chief Howard is dedicated to continuous education. His deep and abiding commitment to education around public safety, fire prevention and emergency preparedness will serve Kenora well. He is currently completing his Bachelor of Applied Arts in Justice and Public Safety from the University of Guelph and has completed his Fire Service Executive Management Certificate through Humber College. His other educational credits include a Leadership Certificate from Algonquin College, multiple National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Program Certificates from the Ontario Fire College, a Primary Care Paramedic Certificate from the Justice Institute of British Columbia, and studies in Police Foundations with Georgian College.
"We are excited to welcome Chief Howard to Kenora," shares Kyle Attanasio, Chief Administrative Officer. "His focus on continuous improvement, communications, and empowering his team will be instrumental in the City and the fire service into the future. His leadership philosophy and experience will add tremendous value on our Senior Leadership Team.”
“I am honored to take on the role of Director of Fire and Emergency Services and Fire Chief for the City of Kenora,” says Chief Howard. “I look forward to working closely with our dedicated team and engaging with the community to enhance our emergency preparedness and response capabilities. Together, we will work tirelessly to improve the safety and well-being of all residents.”
We are confident that Chief Howard's leadership will not only strengthen our Fire and Emergency Services but also foster a safer environment for all residents of Kenora. We invite the community to join us in welcoming him to this vital role and look forward to his contributions in enhancing public safety and emergency preparedness.
Media contact
Kyle Attanasio, Chief Administrative Officer
kattanasio@kenora.ca
807-467-2000
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