Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency announces new chief, will take over role this summer

Deryn Rizzi, incoming chief of Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, is pictured. (Source: Halifax Regional Municipality)

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency is getting a new chief this summer.

Deryn Rizzi will take over for acting chief Dave Meldrum on Aug. 17. Meldrum has held the role since October 2025.

The Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) says Rizzi was selected after a nationwide search.

She began her career with Vaughan Fire and Rescue Service in Vaughan, Ont., rising through the ranks and ultimately served as chief.

Most recently, Rizzi served as fire chief and director of Toronto Pearson Fire and Emergency Services in Mississauga, Ont. Before that, she served as fire chief and director of emergency management for the city.

She has also received the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal of Distinction in Public Administration in 2022 and a King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2024 for her contributions to public service.

The municipality says Rizzi is well regarded for her “transformative leadership, operational excellence and commitment to advancing public safety.”

“With significant experience leading complex fire and emergency organizations, and a strong track record of operational excellence, she brings the expertise to lead HRFE through a period of continued growth while maintaining the high standard of public safety and emergency services,” Mayor Andy Fillmore said in a statement.

Rizzi says she is honoured to join the department.

“Halifax’s fire service has a long and proud history, grounded in tradition, professionalism and service to the community,” she said.

“I look forward to working with the HRFE firefighters and IAFF Local 268 to build on that strong foundation - maintaining a clear focus on operational expertise, firefighter safety, and the consistent delivery of exceptional fire and life safety services.”

Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency is Canada’s oldest fire department. Its 51 stations serve more than 500,000 residents throughout the HRM.

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