Kingston Firefighters

07/09/2026

We join firefighters and first responders across Ontario in mourning the tragic motor vehicle collision near the Ontario Police College involving two Durham Regional Police Constables in Training.

We are deeply saddened by the loss of one recruit and the critical injuries sustained by another. Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with their families, loved ones, classmates, instructors, and every member of the Durham Regional Police Service during this incredibly difficult time.

06/23/2026

Congratulations Brother Fred LeBlanc !
Your leadership and dedication to our profession, our membership, our families and the community as a whole is second to none. We are so proud to stand beside you!

One of the most memorable moments of the 29th OPFFA Annual Convention was the unanimous adoption of a resolution to rename our annual Legislative Conference the Fred J. LeBlanc Legislative Conference.
In a show of unity, every OPFFA Local signed onto the resolution recognizing Brother Fred LeBlanc's decades of leadership, advocacy, and unwavering commitment to professional firefighters. Delegates from across Ontario rose to speak in support, sharing stories of Fred's mentorship, vision, and lasting impact on our Association and the labour movement.
With his wife Jackie and grandson Eli by his side, Fred witnessed the profound respect and appreciation of the OPFFA membership.
Thank you, Brother Fred, for your leadership, your legacy, and your lifelong dedication to firefighters.

04/28/2026

🙏🕊️🎗️

Today, and every day, we remember and honor those we have lost in the line of duty.

Their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

04/28/2026

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Brother Jimmy O'Toole, President of St. John's Local 1075. Jimmy was a bright leader and great friend. He will be deeply missed.

Our thoughts are with his family and all of Local 1075.

Rest easy, Brother.

The IAFF is saddened by the death of St. John’s Local 1075 President Jimmy O’Toole, who died from complications of occupational cancer.

A fire fighter since 2001 and a union leader for over a decade, Jimmy was fiercely committed to the health and safety of members across Newfoundland and Labrador and throughout Canada.

Long before his own cancer diagnosis in 2018, he helped lead the effort to establish presumptive coverage for 11 occupational cancers in Newfoundland and Labrador. Even as he faced cancer himself, Jimmy helped build on that progress by expanding presumptive coverage to include eight more cancers in 2022.

That advocacy continued through his service on the IAFF’s Occupational Health and Safety Committee, where he represented members across eastern Canada and helped shape the union’s work on occupational cancer.

Jimmy is survived by his wife, Crystal, and their sons, Gavin and Ryan. We keep them – and all who knew and loved Jimmy – in our prayers.

04/09/2026

04/09/2026

Thank you to those who came out to play and volunteer for the first Annual First Responder Heroes Paddle Battle Pickleball Tournament on March 27th. It was a great day of competition and fun between firefighters, paramedics, police, military, healthcare workers and corrections officers.

Thank you to our sponsors Coca Cola, Fine Balance Brewing, Echelon Wellness, Cannaconnect and Canada House.

As well Thank you to our hosts the Kingston Racquet Center, and Mike Bertrand of the Kingston Firefighters Local 498 for organizing this event and making it a success.

Over $1100 was raised for the Local Boys & Girls Club, Well done everyone, we hope to see all next year!!
🎾🚒🚔🏥,🪖🎾

03/22/2026

Congratulations, Chief! We wish you all the best in this new role and look forward to continuing to build a strong and supportive team together.

Kingston Fire & Rescue is proud to officially announce that Kevin Donaldson will be stepping into the role of Fire Chief.👏🏻

Chief Donaldson has been part of KFR since joining as Deputy Chief in 2017. He brings more than 31 years of progressive experience in the fire service, spanning both volunteer and career roles.

He has played a key role in advancing the organization, including supporting the City’s successful accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence (CPSE). Throughout his tenure, Chief has led every division within Kingston Fire & Rescue at various times and has demonstrated a strong ability to build meaningful relationships with both internal and external partners.

He has consistently shown the dedication, communication, leadership, and strategic vision required to guide the service forward and help keep families safe in Kingston.

Please join KFR in congratulating Chief Donaldson on his new role and his well-deserved achievement!❤️🚒

02/21/2026

01/31/2026

🚨🚒94%‼️

That is the Percentage of Line of Duty Death's among firefighters in Canada caused by occupational cancer. Firefighters put their lives on the line each day to keep our community safe, but the long-term health effects of doing so can be devastating.

January is Firefighter Cancer Awareness Month.❤️

Kingston Fire & Rescue & KPFFAL498 is aiming to increase public understanding of occupational cancer in the fire service! On the last day of the month, we honour and remember all of those from KFR and other Ontario Fire services who have been impacted by occupational cancer in the workplace!🤝🏻

To learn more about FF Cancer Awareness view the link below!

🔗tinyurl.com/FFCAMKF

12/12/2025

Today on behalf of the KPFFA L498 membership President Peter Nolan and Vice President Ayrton Potter spread some holiday cheer to some amazing community groups in our city! 🎄🚒❄️

Keep up the great work you do supporting those in need in our community!



Martha's Table
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Kingston
Kingston Seniors
Kingston Youth Shelter
Tommy's Community Christmas
Kingston Food Bank- Partners in Mission
The Salvation Army Kingston Citadel Community & Family Services