For Immediate Release
Thursday, May 28, 2026 – Port Hope, ON
At a ceremony last evening, the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association (OMFPOA) named Jason Williams the 2026 Fire Chief of the Year, recognizing his distinguished career in public safety, fire prevention, emergency management, fire investigations, and mentorship across Ontario.
Serving as the Director of Fire and Emergency Services/Fire Chief for the Municipality of Port Hope, Chief Williams has earned widespread respect for his progressive approach to community risk reduction, firefighter development, and public education. His leadership has helped position Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services as a modern and proactive organization focused on prevention-first strategies, operational readiness, and community engagement. This includes expanding public education initiatives, strengthening emergency response capacity, and advancing firefighter health and safety practices.
“On behalf of the entire team at Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services, I am deeply honoured to receive the 2026 Fire Chief of the Year Award from the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association,” stated Chief Williams. “This recognition reflects the dedication, professionalism and passion of our firefighters, fire prevention staff and community partners who work every day to keep our residents safe. Fire prevention and public education are at the heart of everything we do, and I remain committed to advancing innovative, community-focused approaches that strengthen public fire safety for today and future generations. I am grateful for the opportunity to serve the Municipality of Port Hope and proud of the collective efforts that continue to make our community safer and stronger.”
Under Chief Williams’ leadership, Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services has implemented a number of impactful initiatives that have strengthened both prevention and response. These include securing and distributing nearly 200 combination smoke and carbon monoxide alarms to local residents through Safe Community Project Zero, enhancing firefighter health and safety through station upgrades, contamination reduction practices, and advanced equipment such as thermal imaging and LUNAR technology, and launching the Fire Suppression Day Crew Program to improve daytime response and expand community outreach. He has also fostered partnerships to support public education, including acquiring interactive fire safety tools for community events, and is leading the development of a Wildland Fire Management Plan to improve wildfire preparedness and protect natural areas such as the Ganaraska Forest.
Chief Williams brings more than two decades of diverse emergency services and public safety experience to the role. Prior to joining Port Hope, he served with the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM), where he worked as a Fire Investigator and Supervisor, supporting municipal fire departments throughout Ontario in the areas of fire investigations and regulatory compliance. His work with the OFM involved complex fire and explosion investigations, training investigators, and supporting fire service agencies with technical expertise and leadership.
“On behalf of Council and the community, I extend my sincere congratulations to Chief Williams on being named Fire Chief of the Year,” said Mayor Olena Hankivsky. “This well-deserved recognition reflects his outstanding leadership, dedication to public safety, and commitment to innovation in fire prevention and emergency services. We are proud to have Chief Williams leading a team that works tirelessly to keep Port Hope safe.”
The recognition by the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officers Association reflects not only Chief Williams’ individual accomplishments, but also the growing reputation of Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services as a progressive and prevention-focused fire department.
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