The Windsor Fire and Rescue Service officially has a new chief.
A Change of Command ceremony was held Thursday as Chief Stephen Laforet passed the reigns to incoming Chief Jamie Waffle.
Laforet is retiring after over 34 years of service.
"The thing I'm most proud of is the work that our people do and I love the men and women of Windsor Fire and Rescue Services, I don't think there's a better department around," said Laforet.
Chief Waffle was appointed the new chief after 27 years with Windsor Fire and Rescue Services.
"Chief Waffle, his advocacy for firefighter health and safety is unparalleled. He's taken our department and I think we're leading the province in terms of some of our cancer prevention efforts," said Laforet. "He is an advocate for mental health, we all know that mental health is a growing concern in all of the emergency services."
Waffle has held several positions including firefighter, training officer, acting captain, chief training officer, acting district chief, and acting assistant chief, and he was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in 2018.
"We'll have our work cut out for us over the years. There's lots coming down the pipe, lots of changes to the city and we're hopeful to be part of that and provide good leadership. I think our whole department believes in community safety, keeping our people safe. Not just putting out fires but trying to prevent fires," said Chief Waffle.
