MARKHAM APPOINTS NEW FIRE CHIEF, WILLIAM SNOWBALL
Markham, Ontario: Following an extensive national search, William (Bill) Snowball has been appointed Fire Chief for the Town of Markham. Bill Snowball has been a Deputy Fire Chief in Markham since 2002 and has been Acting Fire Chief for several months on two occasions during the past two years. He assumes his new role immediately.

Chief Snowball has 34 years of service with the Town of Markham. He joined Markham Fire and Emergency Service in June 1974 as a volunteer firefighter, following the chosen career of both his father and grandfather. As Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, he was responsible for 200 fire suppression staff, the mechanical division of the department, purchasing apparatus and the construction of new fire stations.

A life-long resident of Markham, Chief Snowball is committed to community engagement and the important role the Fire department plays both in keeping the Town safe and in building strong community connections. The new Fire Chief’s priorities include: Succession Management through hiring two new Deputy Chiefs; completion of a strategic and operational Fire Master Plan for a growing community; Firefighter Recruitment for new stations in the Cathedral and Cornell areas of Markham and; Community Engagement. Fire prevention and education will continue to be the major focus of department’s community efforts.

Commenting on the appointment, Mayor Frank Scarpitti said, “I look forward to working with Bill in his new role as Fire Chief. He is a dedicated and highly skilled professional who is well-recognized by his peers in the Fire Service and by his Markham neighbours for his commitment to community safety and security.”
The Chair of the Community Services Committee and Ward 8 Councillor Alex Chiu said, “His keen sense of community and his exceptional service record make Bill Snowball an excellent choice for this vital position.”

Community and Fire Services Commissioner Brenda Librecz also looks forward to working with Chief Snowball in his new role. “Bill has had an outstanding career in Markham and will continue to be a strong leader, helping our entire community develop greater fire prevention awareness and emergency preparedness skills.“

Mayor Scarpitti, Councillor Chiu, Chief Administrative Officer John Livey, Commissioner Brenda Librecz, and Human Resources Director Sharon Laing served on the recruitment panel for the new Fire Chief. Council confirmed the appointment on March 31, 2009.