Toronto Appoints Jim Jessop as New Fire Chief
TORONTO – Toronto City Council has officially named Jim Jessop as the new Fire Chief and General Manager of Toronto Fire Services (TFS), Canada’s largest fire service. Jessop, whose appointment takes effect on January 2, 2025, will report to the Deputy City Manager for Community and Social Services.
Jessop brings nearly 30 years of experience in firefighting, emergency response, and fire safety management. Currently serving as Deputy Fire Chief and Director of Operations, Training, and Technical Operations for TFS, Jessop is recognized for his dedication to public safety and operational excellence.
As Fire Chief, Jessop will oversee all facets of Toronto Fire Services, continuing its mission to protect life, property, and the environment through education, prevention, and emergency response.
Congratulations to new Fire Chief Jim Jessop.
It was great running into you last night at the Police Chief’s gala. I look forward to working together to help keep our city safe. https://t.co/vH6ISzKOU5 pic.twitter.com/wZexH8DboR
— Mayor Olivia Chow (@MayorOliviaChow) November 29, 2024
Proven Leadership in Toronto and Beyond
Jessop’s extensive career includes serving as Acting Fire Chief and General Manager of TFS from August 2020 to April 2022. During this period, he spearheaded the development of the 2021 and 2022 TFS capital and operating budgets, championed reforms in recruitment and promotion processes to increase diversity, and acted as a senior officer during major emergencies.
Jessop joined Toronto Fire Services in 1996 as a firefighter before leaving in 2001 to work for the Government of Ontario. There, he held prominent roles, including Assistant Deputy Minister – Fire Marshal and Chief, Emergency Management of Ontario. He later held leadership positions in Niagara Falls and London before returning to TFS in 2015.
A strong advocate for education and professional development, Jessop holds a Bachelor of Arts in Kinesiology and a Master of Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario, as well as a Master of Business Administration from Brock University.
City Leadership Praises Jessop
Paul Johnson, Toronto’s City Manager, expressed confidence in Jessop’s abilities. “Chief Jessop is an accomplished, strategic, and passionate public sector leader who has long shown his commitment to excellence. I am confident that Jim will use his nearly 30 years of experience daily to keep our communities safe,” said Johnson.
With his wealth of experience and a track record of innovation and leadership, Jessop is well-positioned to guide Toronto Fire Services into a new era.
