BRAMPTON, ON (September 13, 2021) – Today, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services (BFES) Chief Bill Boyes was awarded Fire Chief of the Year by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) and the Fire Underwriters Survey of Canada. This annual program recognizes excellence in the fire services industry across Canada.

Chief Boyes’ fire career began in Brampton where he developed first as a firefighter and later as Captain. Serving as Brampton’s Fire Chief since 2017, he has been a driver of the continuous evolution and education of the department, while remaining committed to the highest quality of fire safety and service. A strong proponent of continued growth, Chief Boyes is passionate about the importance of improving diversity, equity and inclusion in fire services and instills this through ongoing training opportunities and virtual career information sessions for the public.

Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Boyes has been instrumental in leading the community through this challenge, taking a leadership role on the City’s Emergency Management response team while remaining committed to his role as Fire Chief.

Chief Boyes is a true champion for innovation and continuously works to position BFES and the city for success through the department’s Fire Master Plan. This year Brampton City Council approved BFES’ plans to replace a front-line pumper with a fully electric-powered fire truck, contributing to Brampton’s goal of reducing greenhouse gases and being a Green City.

Chief Boyes is a dedicated and respected member of the corporation, nominated by Councillor Rowena Santos, supported by the City’s entire leadership team, and countless number of colleagues - both internally and within the community, including Peel Regional Police Chief, Nishan Duraiappah.

“Congratulations to Chief Boyes on this well-deserved award. He is a valued member of our leadership team that is dedicated to everything that the role of Chief embodies; he’s a community builder, a champion for safety, an innovative thinker and compassionate leader. Since 2017, Chief Boyes has developed Brampton Fire and Emergency Services into the forward thinking, modern team it is today and we applaud and thank him for his ongoing commitment.”

- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Chief Boyes continuously goes above and beyond the call of duty to lead and serve the community when it needs him the most. He is a trailblazer of innovation in fire services and is dedicated to building a team that is inclusive, connected and forward-thinking. His belief in taking a collaborative approach with the Brampton team, his fellow commissioners and the community is what sets him apart as a true leader.”
- Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5; Chair, Community Services, City of Brampton

“Chief Boyes is an exemplary leader who embodies our corporate values of courage, trust, compassion and integrity. He is forward-thinking and has positioned the entire Brampton Fire and Emergency Services team as leaders in the industry and trusted community members. Congratulations Chief!”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

“Chief Boyes has always gone above and beyond in fulfilling his duties as Fire Chief. With the arrival of COVID-19 he embraced his role whole-heartedly and excelled as a strong and compassionate leader focused on supporting community safety and well-being. I value his collaboration with emergency service partners including Peel Regional Police. There is no one more deserving of this honour.”
- Nishan Duraiappah, Chief, Peel Regional Police

“We are so proud to recognize Chief Bill Boyes as the 2021 Fire Chief of the Year Career and Composite Departments. The role of fire chief already requires a very high standard of personal and professional excellence. For the Fire Chief of the Year Award, we look for attributes that go above and beyond this already high bar. Recognizing such excellence, inspires all of us towards a better future full of possibilities, which is what Chief Boyes does. Congratulations to Chief Boyes, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services and the City of Brampton. We appreciate all of you.”
- Chief John McKearney, President Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, Whistler Fire Chief

“It is an absolute honour to be recognized as Fire Chief of the Year by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC) and the Fire Underwriters Survey of Canada. My success in this role is entirely due to the ongoing support and success of the Brampton Fire and Emergency Services team. I am so proud of what we accomplish as a collective and it is a privilege to serve Brampton, our Fire Service and the amazing community.”
- Bill Boyes, Chief, Brampton Fire and Emergency Services

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