New deputy fire chief committed to ‘modernizing’ service

The city’s new deputy fire chief is credited with transforming Markham Fire and Emergency Services’ (MEFS) training division and is committed to modernizing the service.

Division Chief Matthew Keay joined MEFS in 2000 as a firefighter and has served as Captain and Division Chief responsible for training. He has been appointed Deputy Chief, effective March 1.

“I am confident that Deputy Chief Keay’s experience will be an asset to the leadership team of Markham Fire and complements Chief Grant’s vision to modernize the service and to focus on innovation,” Mayor Frank Scarpitti says.

Keay’s journey to becoming Deputy Chief is “testament to the organization’s focus on professional development and mentorship,” CAO Andy Taylor says. “I would also like to thank Deputy Chief Keay for serving as Acting-Deputy Chief during the pandemic and his support during this leadership transition.”

Fire Chief Adam Grant credits Keay with transforming the training division. “The National Fire Protection Association courses and professional development curriculum are just a few examples of the many improvements he’s made,” he says. Keay will be responsible for fire prevention, public education, and for Battalions 2 and 4, and will serve as Co-Chair of Markham’s Joint Occupational Health and Safety Committee.

Photo of Matthew Keay courtesy of the City of Markham.

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