Jim Jessop named fire chief for Toronto Fire Services

Nov. 29, 2024, Toronto — Jim Jessop has been selected as the new fire chief and general manager for Toronto Fire Services (TFS).

His appointment was unanimously approved by Toronto city council. The promotion is effective Jan. 2.

“Thanks to Toronto city council for entrusting me to lead the Toronto Fire Service – the largest fire service in Canada – into its next chapter,” Jessop said in a media statement. “Together, we will continue to protect residents, visitors and businesses against all hazards through preparedness, prevention, public education and emergency response.”

Jessop has nearly 30 years of experience in fire fighting, emergency response and fire safety management, and is currently the deputy fire chief and director, operations, training and technical operations for TFS.

He served as acting fire chief and general manager from August 2020 to April 2022 while former Chief Matthew Pegg served as Toronto’s COVID-19 incident commander, which required him to lead the development of the 2021 and 2022 Toronto Fire Service Capital and Operating budgets, the city reported in a press release.

Jessop began his career with TFS in 1996 as a firefighter, departing in 2001. He served as deputy fire chief for the city of Niagara Falls from 2001 to 2013 and for the city of London from 2013 to 2014.

He rejoined TFS in 2015 after working for the province of Ontario as deputy fire marshal and director, field and advisory services, as well as fire marshal of Ontario and chief of emergency management.