Barrie city council has named Deputy Fire Chief Bill Boyes as the new Fire Chief.
Deputy Boyes joined Barrie Fire Service in 2014 as the Deputy Fire Chief of Operations and Training.
Boyes was responsible for the leadership of 149 staff in the Operations and Training divisions along with the department’s equipment and facilities.
He also oversaw the provision of Hazmat and Technical Rescue services to surrounding municipalities, acts as the management chair of the Joint Health and Safety Committee, leads various recruitment and promotional processes and acts as Fire Chief when required.
Deputy Boyes is the only Canadian member of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Fire Service Executive Board and the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) – Firefighter Safety Through Advanced Research (FSTAR) group.
He has longstanding family ties to the fire service.
Boyes wrote in a column in Canadian Firefighter Magazine that his grandfather joined the Alliston Fire Department in 1949 and eventually served as chief there.
His father joined the same department in 1973, worked his way to deputy chief at the age of 30 and is now the COO of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs.
Boyes joined Barrie fire from the Brampton Fire Service.
He is 36.
“Under Chief Lynn’s leadership, BFES has positioned itself as a fire service leader in a number of areas and it is my goal to build on and continue with this legacy," said Boyes. "I am honoured to lead an incredible group of fire service professionals within BFES that are focused on delivering the highest quality educational, preventative, communication and emergency response services possible to the community and the citizens of Barrie.”
Fire Chief John Lynn is retiring after nearly 40 years in the fire service, 31 of those with Barrie.
He held the position of chief for nine years.
Lynn is leaving a legacy of achievements including the construction of the new Barrie Fire Headquarters on Dunlop Street and the new Fire Station #5 in the City’s south end.
He was also instrumental in the development of a temporary training centre in Barrie to allow firefighters to train locally and the establishment of Technical Rescue Agreements with surrounding municipalities.
The popular chief is well known for his support and participation in community charity events and his willingness to take a pie in the face, streak his hair pink, or have water poured over his head for a good cause.
“I have had the distinct pleasure of working with Deputy Boyes for the past year," said Lynn. "He has proven his ability and commitment to moving BFES forward and becoming the next Fire Chief for the City of Barrie. It has been an honour to serve the last nine years as Fire Chief, and 31 years serving the citizens of Barrie as a member of Barrie Fire and Emergency Service.”
City council approved the appointment of Deputy Chief Boyes as fire chief at its meeting last night.
“The City of Barrie has been tremendously fortunate to have had Chief Lynn at the helm of Barrie Fire these past nine years," said Mayor Jeff Lehman. "His dedication and service to our community has been truly outstanding. He leaves behind a legacy of excellence and achievement that I know will continue under the new Chief.”
Boyes will officially assume his duties as Chief on Jan.1.
