City of Barrie appoints new fire chief

Barrie Fire Chief Kevin White (Courtesy: Barrie Fire & Emergency Services).

The City of Barrie has a new fire chief.

On Wednesday night, Mayor Alex Nuttall officially announced that Kevin White had been appointed to lead Barrie Fire and Emergency Services. White has been a firefighter in Barrie since 1998.

"On behalf of city council, we'd like to congratulate Mr. White, now Chief White, on your appointment and look forward to working with you in the future," Nuttall said during Wednesday's general committee meeting.

White was promoted to the position of captain in 2009, followed by his ascension to the role of platoon chief in 2020.

The new fire chief, a father to three girls, has previously received the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Award for his advocacy for fellow firefighters across the country.

"I am honoured to be selected as Barrie's next Fire Chief, and I am dedicated to providing outstanding customer service while protecting our community," White said in a news release. "I am proud to lead the men and women of our service with integrity while protecting our citizens and their property."

As if the title of chief isn't enough, White is currently studying for a degree in justice and public safety at the University of Guelph.

White replaces Corey Mainprize, who left the service earlier this year.