(L to R) Markham Fire Chief Bill Snowball, Deputy Fire Chief Phil Alexander and Deputy Fire Chief Dave Decker.
MARKHAM, ON — July 3, 2009 — The Town of Markham is pleased to announce the appointment of Dave Decker and Phil Alexander as Deputy Fire Chiefs, effective immediately.
These appointments, along with our recently announced appointment of Fire Chief Bill Snowball, complete the new senior management team for Markham Fire and Emergency Services. The two Deputies will help shape Markham's strategic and operational Fire Master Plan and will focus on increasing engagement opportunities with Markham's growing and diverse community.
"Dave and Phil have shown incredible leadership and professionalism as Acting Deputy Fire Chiefs in the past and I know they will excel in their new role," said Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti. "Their years of public service and experience are assets to Markham Fire and Emergency Services, and will help ensure we continue to provide a high level of service to our community."
"We are delighted that Phil and Dave have accepted our offer to become our new Deputy Fire Chiefs," said Brenda Librecz, Commissioner of Community and Fire Services. "We have every confidence they will help further the reputation Markham Fire has earned for excellence in emergency services."
"Markham Fire and Emergency Services is committed to providing the highest level of life safety and property protection to those who live, work or play in our community," said Markham Fire Chief Bill Snowball. "I know both Dave and Phil will work hard to ensure our staff have the leadership and support they need to safely and effectively protect our citizens, businesses, and environment."
Councillor Alex Chiu, Chair of the Community Services Committee said, "Markham takes pride in the quality of community services delivered to our residents. These new appointments will further enhance Markham's reputation for outstanding fire and emergency services."
APPOINTEE BACKGROUND
Dave Decker joined Markham Fire and Emergency Services in 1988 after serving four years with the Canadian Air Force. He has held several ranks including Training Officer (1995-1999), Captain (2005), District Chief (2006) and Acting Platoon Chief (2003). In 2007, Dave was seconded as an Acting Deputy Fire Chief for five months. He has served as co-chair of the Joint Occupational Committee for five years and as an executive member of the Markham Professional Firefighters Association for over nine years.
Phil Alexander also joined Markham Fire in October 1988 and has progressed through the ranks holding the positions of Designate Captain (1996) Platoon Chief (2004) and was recently seconded as an Acting Deputy Fire Chief for four months (2009). Phil has worked on several committees including Apparatus Specification, Occupational Health & Safety and Station Design. Phil received his Bachelor of Technology, Architectural Science from Ryerson University in 2003 and completed his Masters Certificate in Municipal Management form the Schulich School of Business in 2005. |
