Administration encompasses the Office of the Fire Chief and provides executive leadership, administration, strategic planning, recruitment, policy development, governance, legislative and regulatory coordination, and organizational support for Windsor Fire & Rescue Services (WFRS).
The Fire Chief is appointed by Council as required under the Fire Protection and Prevention Act, 1997, and delegates authority under applicable sections of the Act to the Deputy Fire Chiefs and other designated senior officers. Recruitment and selection of WFRS personnel is administered through this function, with responsibility for the recruitment process continuing through appointment. Following appointment, recruits transition to the Training Division for recruit-training and development.
The Fire Chief, in the role of Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC), facilitates the City of Windsor Emergency Response Plan for all municipal departments and related agencies and is responsible for maintaining, updating, exercising, and coordinating the plan. The Fire Chief and/or Deputy Chiefs assume command at major emergency incidents, while members of the Division provide administrative, logistical, and operational support as required.
The Ontario Fire Marshal also appoints the Fire Chief under the Provincial Mutual Aid Plan, who serves as the Essex County Fire Services Coordinator and is responsible for coordinating regional fire services during large-scale emergencies and administering the Essex County Mutual Aid Plan. The Deputy Chief of Operations serves as the alternate County Fire Services Coordinator.
Administrative Services provides input and advice regarding proposed provincial and federal legislation, municipal by-laws, codes, standards, and other initiatives affecting fire and rescue services. The Fire Chief and Deputy Chiefs provide professional advice to Council on fire protection, fire prevention, emergency management, and other matters within WFRS’s mandate.
Administrative Services provides long-term planning for the Department, evaluates programs and services, projects station locations and staffing requirements, and coordinates development with other community departments.
The Division also manages financial and records analysis, budgeting, revenue and service fees, and Department records. Administration oversees human resources functions, including recruitment, selection, promotion, performance evaluation, and career development, as well as communications strategies, customer relations, and health and safety practices.
The Division’s Medical Director, Dr. Paul Bradford, oversees the efficiency and effectiveness of medical functions performed by firefighters under his delegation.
