Windsor Fire & Rescue Services Marks Change of Command
Windsor Fire & Rescue Services (WFRS) and the City of Windsor marked a significant milestone with a Change of Command ceremony today as Chief Stephen Laforet passed the torch to incoming Chief James Waffle.
The Change of Command Ceremony is a respected fire service tradition, symbolizing the seamless transition of leadership while reinforcing authority, accountability, and trust. This meaningful event ensures command legitimacy and celebrates the dedication and bravery of firefighters serving their community with pride.
Chief Laforet began his career with Windsor Fire & Rescue Services as a firefighter on November 5, 1990. With over 34 years of service, he has served as a firefighter, officer, assistant chief, deputy chief of operations, fire chief, community emergency management coordinator, and Essex County mutual aid coordinator. He has been the chairperson of the St. Clair College Pre-Service Firefighter Professional Advisory Committee (PAC); and a member of the BASF Community Advisory Panel, Sewer Master Plan – Stakeholder Advisory Committee, Regional Community Safety and Well-Being Systems Leadership Table and Regional Crime Prevention Council.
During his tenure as fire chief, he received the key to the city for leading the City of Windsor’s response during the COVID-19 pandemic, including the municipality’s role in mass vaccination clinics, and was a recipient of the Excellence in Leadership Award. He was also a member of the IMS Command Team that led Essex County’s response to manage isolation and recovery centres for temporary foreign workers during the pandemic. Chief Laforet managed the department’s construction of three new fire halls, including the City’s Emergency Operations Centre. He also worked to develop a partnership with the Province of Ontario to secure funding and establish the department’s Urban Search & Rescue Team.
Incoming Chief James Waffle has been employed with Windsor Fire & Rescue Services for 27 years, the past six years as Deputy Chief of Operations. Jamie has spent time in several positions, including firefighter, training officer, acting captain, chief training officer, acting district chief, and acting assistant chief, and he was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief in 2018. His responsibilities have included oversight of WFRS operations, training, and the hazardous materials (HazMat) and structural collapse (USAR) teams, and he has served as alternate community emergency management coordinator (CEMC) and alternate Essex County mutual aid coordinator.
Chief Waffle has completed his Fire Service Administration: Advanced Leadership certificate and an Incident Command certificate from Dalhousie University. He also earned his accreditation as a Certified Municipal Manager: Fire Service Executive through the Ontario Municipal Management Institute. Chief Waffle has served as the co-chair of the WFRS Health & Safety Committee, Respiratory Committee, and Cancer Prevention Committee; and a member of the City of Windsor Wellness Steering Committee, Ministry of Labour First Responders Executive Committee, Emergency Services Provincial Steering Committee and Ontario Fire Chiefs Life Safety Advocacy Group.
Jamie's passion for the fire service is profound, and he is humbled and looking forward to serving the City of Windsor and the entire team at Windsor Fire & Rescue Services.
Quotes:
“As Windsor Fire & 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. 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. His leadership has set a standard that will inspire future generations to focus on achieving excellence through service. I also 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. Congratulations to both chiefs, to their families, and to the entire Windsor Fire & Rescue Services team during this time of exciting transition and growth.”
– Windsor Mayor Drew Dilkens
“Jamie brings a wealth of experience and a forward-thinking approach that will serve us well as we look forward to the future for Windsor Fire & Rescue Services. Ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents is our top priority, and with his leadership, we aim to continue providing top-tier emergency response, innovation, and community engagement. I’d also like to extend my deepest thanks to Chief Laforet for his many years of dedicated service to Windsor Fire & Rescue Services and the residents of Windsor. His commitment to public safety, professionalism, mentorship of firefighters, and his unwavering dedication, have left an indelible mark on the City. On behalf of the corporation, I wish Chief Laforet all the best in his well-deserved retirement."
– Joe Mancina, City of Windsor Chief Administrative Officer