City of Kingston appoints new fire chief

Kevin Donaldson has been named Chief of Kingston Fire & Rescue. (City of Kingston/supplied)

The City of Kingston says Deputy Fire Chief Kevin Donaldson has been promoted to Chief of Kingston Fire and Rescue.

Donaldson’s appointment comes after Monique Belair announced her retirement as fire chief last summer.

Donaldson joined Kingston Fire and Rescue in 2017 as deputy chief after more than 20 years in firefighting. He was serving as acting fire chief since Belair’s retirement.

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“After a comprehensive recruitment process, the city is pleased that Kevin will be stepping into the role of Fire Chief of Kingston Fire & Rescue,” said Neil Carbone, Commissioner, Corporate and Emergency Services in a news release. “Chief Donaldson has been with the city for nearly a decade, playing a key role in advancing KFR and consistently demonstrating the communication, leadership and strategic vision required to guide the service forward.”

Donaldson began his career in 1995 in Stone Mills Township as a volunteer firefighter, following in the footsteps of his father, who was also a firefighter. He became deputy fire chief in Stone Mills in 2011. From there, he moved to Napanee, becoming fire chief in 2015. He joined Kingston Fire and Rescue two years later.

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“Chief Donaldson has shown strong leadership throughout his time with Kingston Fire & Rescue, including while serving as Acting Fire Chief,” said Kingston Mayor Bryan Paterson. “I’m very happy to see him step into the role permanently and look forward to the continued great work he’ll do leading the service and supporting the firefighters who keep our community safe.”

Donaldson says he is honoured to serve as chief of Kingston Fire and Rescue.

“Having spent the past nine years as Deputy Chief with Kingston Fire & Rescue, I have had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are committed to protecting our community,” he said. “I am proud to represent the City of Kingston in this role and equally proud to lead Kingston Fire & Rescue as we continue to safeguard our city through service delivery excellence, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to public safety.”