Town of Orangeville Fire Services welcomes John Snider as Fire Chief

New chief will focus on aligning community safety with legislative requirements, strategic priorities and Town values and guiding principles

Following the retirement of Chief Morden, the Town of Orangeville welcomes John Snider as its new Fire Chief. Snider will don the Orangeville Fire Service’s uniform beginning January 7, 2025.

“On behalf of the Town of Orangeville, our residents and businesses, we welcome Chief John Snider to our community,” says David Smith, chief administrative officer, Town of Orangeville. “Chief Snider is a results-driven and well-respected leader with extensive experience advancing and modernizing fire services, particularly in the area of training and education.”

Chief Snider has dedicated his career to fire services and protecting community safety most recently as Deputy Fire Marshal, Field Advisory and Technical Services for the Office of the Fire Marshal (OFM). Before joining OFM, Snider had 30 years of combined experience in the Fire Services, including 25 years with Toronto Fire Services.

“I am honoured to be named Fire Chief for the Town of Orangeville’s Fire Services said Snider. “I am excited to lead a team of dedicated professionals instrumental to our community’s safety. I am committed to working collaboratively with all our firefighters, council and community partners to enhance fire safety education, fire prevention and emergency response through innovative, responsible and community-focused strategic planning.

As Fire Chief for the Town of Orangeville Snider’s focus will be using his strong people leader skills combined with his strength in administration to foster strategic alignment between important legislative requirements, the Town’s strategic goals, corporate values, and guiding principles. This will support the safety, well-being and vibrancy of Orangeville.

Chief Snider’s first priorities will be to familiarize himself with the new Fire Station project and the challenges. He will also determine the path forward for the upcoming ten-year Fire Master Plan.

The Town of Orangeville is deeply grateful to Acting Fire Chief Mike Richardson who has led the Town’s Fire Service since Chief Morden’s departure. Richardson’s dedication to the Service and to the community is steadfast, and the Town is thankful to have him remain with the Service as Deputy Fire Chief, with a focus on operations.