Central York Fire Services is bringing on two new deputy chiefs to help combat fire and improve safety in the community.
Following a competitive recruitment process, the Newmarket and Aurora department has announced that Loranne Zwicker will join as the deputy chief of community risk and Dan Waters will take on the role of deputy chief of operations starting Jan. 6.
Waters has been part of CYFS since 1996 and has served as a platoon chief since 2017. Waters has also been an instructor with the Ontario Fire Academy since 2023, providing instruction to pre-service firefighters.
“Waters is a highly experienced and educated Fire Service Management Professional who prioritizes safety, values relationships, fosters collaboration, drives innovation and maintains a steadfast commitment to customer service excellence,” the fire service said in a news release.
Before joining CYFS, Waters was a volunteer firefighter with Orangeville from 1995 to 2008. He has a bachelor of public safety administration, as well as certifications in fire service leadership and fire service administration. He also holds an executive fire service officer aspire designation from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
Waters will lead the operations division including oversight of trucks, equipment and firefighters.
Zwicker is joining CYFS with a “wealth of experience” having had roles with Georgina, Barrie and Toronto Fire Services. She most recently served as deputy fire chief with Georgina Fire and Rescue Services, where she helped develop Ontario’s first live data community risk assessment.
Zwicker is also an adjunct instructor at the Ontario Fire College and a professor at Seneca College, where she has trained the next generation of fire service professionals.
Her educational qualifications include certifications as a municipal manager level III (fire service professional and fire prevention profession) and multiple National Fire Protection Association Credentials. She also holds advanced certifications in emergency management, leadership and public safety.
“Zwicker’s experience designing comprehensive fire prevention programs, implementing effective public education strategies, and contributing to emergency planning initiatives will enhance CYFS’ ability to reduce community risks and promote fire safety education in Newmarket and Aurora,” CYFS said.
The hirings come after Central York Fire Services promoted Fire Chief Rocco Volpe from the deputy position in September.
