Markham Promotes Platoon Chief Chris Nearing to Deputy Chief, Fire and Emergency Services

The City of Markham is pleased to announce the appointment of Platoon Chief Chris Nearing to Deputy Chief. Following the retirement of Deputy Chief Alexander in December 2016, Deputy Chief Nearing was promoted to the new role effective Wednesday, May 3, 2017.

Deputy Chief Nearing has 22 years of committed and dedicated public service with the City of Markham. He joined Markham Fire and Emergency Services in May 1995, as a 1st Class Firefighter and later served in various roles including as a On-Duty Medical Instructor, Designate Captain, Captain, Acting District Chief, District Chief, Acting Platoon Chief and Platoon Chief. In 2016, he also served as Acting Deputy Fire Chief.

Deputy Chief Nearing is an accomplished senior leader who brings thorough, first-hand knowledge of the fire service and an extensive background in emergency response. He has also demonstrated a commitment to Markham and our residents as an active volunteer in the community. His experience, community involvement and professional approach complement the management team.

As the new Deputy Chief, Nearing will be responsible for Platoon 1 and 2 of the Suppression Division in addition to the Training, Mechanical and Communications Divisions of the Fire and Emergency Services.

Quotes

• “I know how important first responders such as Deputy Chief Nearing are to this community and have witnessed firsthand the professionalism and courage of our all our Fire and Emergency Services personnel,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Deputy Chief Nearing demonstrates effective leadership and I look forward to continuing to work with him in his new role.”

• “Deputy Chief Nearing exemplifies exceptional commitment to public service," said CAO Andy Taylor. "His appointment reflects the strength of Markham's Fire Service and talent that we are able to mentor and develop from within. His professionalism and experience position him well to lead this high-performing team.”

• “Markham is fortunate to have an experienced individual like Deputy Chief Nearing because he committed to providing the highest level of life safety and property protection to those who live, work or play in our community,” said Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community & Fire Services.

• “I am pleased to be part of a thorough selection process to promote Platoon Chief Chris Nearing to Deputy Chief,” said Ward 2 Councillor Alan Ho - Chair of Community Services Committee and Member of the Selection Committee. “I look forward in continuing to work with the new Deputy Chief who now completes the Markham Fire and Emergency Services senior management team.”

• “I’m proud that Deputy Chief Nearing will form part of our management team along with Deputy Fire Chief Adam Grant, we will continue to provide outstanding public service, and ensure Fire & Emergency Services continue to exceed the expectations of our residents,” said Fire Chief Dave Decker.