PART OF A SERIES OF SPOTLIGHTS ON COMMUNITY LEADERS
New fire chief Jon Rehill always thinking about public safety
New fire chief Jon Rehill always thinking about public safety
For News Tips & Advertising call...
Kitchener East - 519-578-8228
Kitchener West - 519-394-0335
Kitchener Fire Chief Jon Rehill attended the Neighbours Day celebration at the Huron fire station. With him are Maleeha Kassam and Ruheena Kassam.
by Shelley ByersFor the Citizen
Kitchener’s new Fire Chief, Jon Rehill didn’t play “fireman” when he was a kid and didn’t entertain the thought of becoming one.
He wanted to be a physical education teacher; however, a conversation during his last year of university with a firefighter buddy put his teaching career on the backburner.
As his career progressed, Chief Rehill fought fires first with the dousing force of water, then with the saturating power of education, and always with a strength greater than the individual.
“It’s a team approach,” says Rehill. “In the fire service, you’re never on your own.”
Born in Kitchener, his family moved to the London
area when he was a toddler, but there was always
a pull to his hometown. They would move again to the Markham area where Rehill attended high school.
His enthusiasm for team work flourished as he played rugby, baseball and hockey.
“I was driven as a young child,” he says. “I was fortunate to have an absolutely fabulous upbringing and two solid parents.”
His father was a national sales manager for a belt company. His mother stayed at home with her two children. Both instilled a respect for others and “an appreciation for what you have,” qualities Rehill still looks for when hiring new recruits.
“I wish my dad was here. No question.”
Rehill’s dad passed away five years ago. His mom lives in the Chatham area near his brother who is a police officer.
Rehill moved back to Kitchener in 1986 to attend Wilfrid Laurier University. During his last year, discussions around fire safety and working closely with the community fanned the flames of his interest in firefighting.
“I knew that was where I wanted to be,” he says.
He also found a new sport that would train him for the physical agility needed during his challenging training as a firefighter. Rehill didn’t know how to swim, and rarely rode a bike or ran but was captivated by the triathlon.
“I have always been driven to succeed and improve,” he says.
He learned to swim and by the end of his final university year, Rehill not only mastered the triathlon, but swam for WLU, and eventually participated in the Iron Man competition. He would continue the demanding sport into his 30s.
After graduation, he launched into training as a firefighter.
“I went into it for the team environment and to help people in need, but I didn’t have a tremendous understanding of what we do in the fire services,” he says.
“I think as a young individual, there was some immaturity speaking; a confidence that you can take on any task. I was never fearful and didn’t think I had weaknesses,” he says and adds with a smile, “When I came on board, there was a lot to learn!”
However, the challenges only proved to stimulate something more within the young man, something leaders in the department would later recognize and mentor.
Now living in Kitchener, Rehill’s career flourished within the nearby Cambridge Fire Department where his skills were tested and honed.
“Did we deal with challenging situations? Absolutely! However, we were very well trained. It’s your job to be professional and know what you’re doing. Fear subsides with the support of other staff,” he says. “You are in a zone to do a job.”
He witnessed tremendous joy and relief – and a spur-of-the-moment child birth – during his 12 plus years “on the floor” – the term used for front line workers.
He and his fellow firefighters also witnessed destructive and horrific scenes.
“We see the tragic things,” he says. “Sometimes, those stick out more than the positive. That’s why the job is challenging, complex, and stressful. Now as Fire Chief, I’m responsible for 240 other staff. Fire safety is critical to me. It drives me.”
Rehill remained with the Cambridge Fire Department for over 23 years becoming a teacher after all as he progressed from the floor to Chief Public Education Officer. He helped develop new programs for the staff and community.
A door opens to the lunchroom at Number 7 Fire Station on Huron Road and ushers in squeals of delight from children playing in a bouncy castle outside. It’s Neighbours Day. Fire stations in the area welcome the public to participate in fire safety activities – and munch on candy floss.
“Like today,” he says. “We’re sharing our fire safety message.”
His next move to Deputy Fire Chief in 2012 prompted his advancement to Kitchener as Chief in January of this year. The relocation was bitter-sweet, but inevitable.
With the blessing of his friends and comrades as well as the Cambridge Mayor and council, Rehill took the opportunity to serve the community where he was born.
Kitchener is also where he and his high school sweetheart, a nurse in the Health Services Department of WLU, raised their two children – a son in grade 12 and a daughter in grade 10.
Rehill oversees seven fire stations.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be Chief in my home town,” he says. “I’ve worked hard throughout my career and to end it in my own municipality…that’s one reward.”
Other rewards are simple, but moving. Each day, he receives enthusiastic messages from the community. Kids draw cards. Sometimes, a cake is delivered. Again, he sprays the praise back onto his staff.
“It is my job to serve my staff so they can go into the community and make a difference.They are well trained professionals who know their jobs well. They are strong…and they are doing an incredible job.”
Rehil recently completed a three year Masters Degree in Emergency Management. His family was supportive while he put in 50 hours per week on the job and then spent every Saturday and Sunday studying at the desktop. During his career, he has attended York University, University of Western Ontario, and Harvard University.
“Education is paramount,” he says.
When things slow down, he looks forward to spending time with his family, and maybe getting out for a run.
“Before I go to bed each night, both fire safety and public safety are on my mind. My staff’s and community’s well-being is always front and centre.”
Rehill doesn’t play firefighter. He is a firefighter.