Fire Chief’s Message

Welcome to Welland Fire and Emergency Services!

It is an honour to serve the residents and businesses of Welland alongside a dedicated team of professionals who are deeply committed to public safety. As a full-hazard composite fire department, we respond to a wide range of emergencies—from fires and medical calls to technical rescues and public safety incidents—providing reliable, compassionate service whenever our community needs us.

Our department is made up of 68 full-time suppression firefighters, 20 highly valued volunteer firefighters, and a strong support structure that includes Fire Prevention, Training, and Administration. Together, with the leadership of our Deputy Chiefs and the support of our administrative team, we operate as a cohesive and high-performing organization. We are proud to be a busy department that rises to meet the demands of a growing and evolving city.

Preparation is at the core of everything we do. Our members train extensively and continuously to ensure they are ready to respond safely, effectively, and with confidence to any emergency. From live-fire training evolutions and technical rescue scenarios to medical response and incident command training, we invest heavily in developing our people so they can deliver the highest level of service when it matters most.

A cornerstone of our success is our Fire Prevention Division. Through proactive enforcement, innovative public education, and leadership in fire safety retrofits for existing buildings, this team plays a critical role in reducing risk across our community. Their use of modern communication tools, including social media, helps us connect with residents in meaningful ways and promote a culture of safety and awareness.

At every level of our organization, there is a shared sense of pride, professionalism, and purpose. We are passionate about what we do, and we never lose sight of the responsibility entrusted to us. We also recognize that our strength today is built on the foundation laid by those who came before us. We honour their legacy through our commitment to excellence, service, and continuous improvement.

Welland Fire and Emergency Services is more than a department; we are part of the community we serve. We remain dedicated to protecting life, property, and the environment while building strong relationships with those we are proud to serve.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about our team.

Stay safe, and install and maintain your smoke and carbon monoxide alarms!

Matt Richardson, Acting Fire Chief
Welland Fire and Emergency Services