Windsor fire holds Change of Command ceremony, Jamie Waffle becomes Chief

Windsor Fire and Rescue Services held its Change of Command ceremony today, marking the official start to Jamie Waffle’s time as chief.

The torch was passed by Chief Stephen Laforet.

“As Windsor Fire and Rescue Services completes its Change of Command Ceremony this week, we reflect on the incredible service and sacrifice of those who dedicate their lives to keeping our community and its residents safe," said Mayor Drew Dilkens.

“On behalf of City Council and the community, I thank retiring Fire Chief Stephen Laforet for his years of leadership, professionalism and unwavering commitment to this service, which has grown stronger, more resilient and become better equipped to face any challenge under his guidance.”

Laforet began with Windsor fire in November 1990. He served as a firefighter, officer, assistant chief, deputy chief of operations, community emergency management coordinator, Essex County mutual aid coordinator and fire chief of Windsor fire.

He also was given a key to the city for leading Windsor’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic. He had a role in the mass vaccination clinics in Windsor and received the Excellence in Leadership Award.

Chief Jamie Waffle has been with Windsor fire for 27 years, serving as Deputy Chief of Operations for the last six. He has worked as a firefighter, training officer, acting captain, chief training officer, acting district chief and acting assistant chief.

“I welcome incoming Fire Chief Jamie Waffle, who has demonstrated his commitment to the service and the community he serves through his own nearly three-decade journey through the ranks,” said Dilkens.

Joe Mancina, Chief Administrative Officer for Windsor, said Waffle brings a wealth of knowledge and he looks forward to the future of Windsor fire.

"I feel good," exclaimed Laforet. "I've had a blessing in terms of a career.”

“Chief Waffle, his advocacy for firefighter health and safety is unparalleled," Laforet explained. "I think we're leading the province in terms of some of our cancer prevention efforts. He is an advocate of mental health. We all know that mental health is a growing concern within all the emergency services."

The outgoing chief said he's looking forward to retirement while planning to take some time to travel and relax.

"I really plan to stay active and come back and volunteer with some of the great initiatives that Windsor Fire does, things like the annual golf tournament that raises money for a number of local charities, so I plan to stay involved that way. I plan to keep my phone on in case the new chief has any questions," he said.

"I'm excited," Waffle told reporters following the ceremony. "We have our work cut out for us. Over the years, there's lots coming down the pipe. Lots of changes to the city and we're hopeful to be part of that and provide good leadership. We believe in community. I think our whole department believes in community safety and keeping our people safe and not just putting out fires and trying to prevent fires."

He said fire prevention remains, and smoke alarm awareness remain a top priority, following two fatal fires in Windsor last month.

"We're going to continue to hammer home that's smoke alarms are absolutely in the city and they help save lives," Waffle said. "Windsor's not alone in dealing with the smoke alarm issues where people aren't using them. We're not sitting in a silo down here in Windsor. But I think the whole entire province is working towards the same thing."

He added, "It's great when statistics go down and there's less injuries and there's less deaths, but it's still not enough."