‘I was honoured’: Brockville fire chief Melanie Jones elected to OAFC board
Congratulations are in order for Brockville’s very own Fire Chief Melanie Jones, as she was recently elected as a director on the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) Board of Directors.
A total of 12 fire chiefs from across the province have been selected to represent the OAFC on their 2024/2025 Board of Directors and their first official meeting is fast approaching on Dec. 11.
Shaun Cameron, program and policy officer with the OAFC explains that the organization represents the chief fire officers from the 437 Fire Departments across the province in leading innovation and excellence in public and life safety. “Our mission is to provide leadership and support to the Ontario fire service through advocacy in service delivery and public and firefighter safety.”
Nominees can either accept or decline their nomination, and then an election is held among members of the OAFC, including deputies, senior officers (management), and chiefs, all of whom are eligible to vote. Six positions were up for election with a two-year term, and one of those positions was designated to Chief Melanie Jones.
Chief Jones told Brockvilleist, “I was honoured to be nominated, and upon learning the election results, I was excited about the opportunity. I strongly believe that if you are passionate about something, you should contribute to it.” She continued, “The OAFC board does great work, and as someone new to the board I hope to offer support, a strong work ethic, and any leadership I can to help keep our communities and firefighters safe.”
Chief Jones noted that the Brockville Fire Department has been very supportive of this exciting news. ”We all make an effort to recognize everyone’s accomplishments, and this is something that will benefit our department as a whole.”
Shaun Cameron with the OAFC shared, “We welcome Chief Jones to the OAFC Board and look forward to working with her support and leadership of the Ontario fire service through advocacy in service delivery, public and firefighter safety.”