Oshawa Fire Services appoints new Deputy Fire Chief

The City of Oshawa and Oshawa Fire Services are pleased to announce the appointment of Mike Barlow as the City’s newest Deputy Fire Chief, effective October 23, 2023.

Deputy Chief Barlow began his career as a firefighter with Oshawa Fire Services in 2007 and was promoted through the ranks, most recently holding the position of Acting Captain. In his new role, Deputy Barlow will oversee the Professional Development and Suppression divisions that form the Operations side of Oshawa Fire Services and fills the vacant Deputy Fire Chief position following the recent appointment of Fire Chief Stephen Barkwell.

Deputy Chief Barlow brings over 15 years of experience to his new position, including extensive experience in fire suppression, fire prevention, and emergency response coordination and specialized training. Early in Deputy Chief Barlow’s career, he was a trailblazer in the technical rescue program and was named the technical rescue department lead instructor for all rope rescue disciplines, including high angle, confined space and trench rescue.

Prior to his appointment as Deputy Fire Chief, Mr. Barlow was selected as the Durham A.M. Kiwanis Firefighter of the Year in 2018 for helping to bring and organize the Canadian FireFit Championships to Oshawa. He has held leadership roles on several department committees and has been a member of the Peer Support Team since 2018.

For information about Oshawa Fire Services, visit Oshawa.ca/Fire or follow them on Twitter.

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Quotes:

“The City congratulates Mike on his new role with Oshawa Fire Services,” said Adam Grant, Commissioner of Safety and Facilities Services. “As an experienced and dedicated firefighter, Mike brings a wealth of knowledge in the areas of fire suppression and specialized rescue to the Oshawa Fire Services leadership team.” 

“Mike is a strong mentor and a proven leader within our ranks. We’re extremely happy to welcome Deputy Chief Barlow to our Fire Services management team,” said Fire Chief Stephen Barkwell. “His outside-of-the-box thinking and expertise in fire suppression and technical rescue will further enhance our corporate mission of being innovative and collaborative while promoting and protecting the health and well-being of our community.”