‘Strong and capable leader’ appointed new fire chief

Deputy Fire Chief Mike Doyle has been appointed Fire Chief of Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire & Emergency Services, effective June 17.

“Mike Doyle has already proven himself to be a strong and capable leader,” Stouffville Mayor Iain Lovatt says. “His experience, leadership and commitment to service make him exceptionally well suited to lead our Fire & Emergency Services team into the future and continue delivering the high level of service our residents expect.”

Doyle has more than two decades of experience in fire and emergency services under his belt, including progressive leadership roles before joining the Town in 2025. He earned a Fire and Emergency Services diploma from Humber College and a certificate in Public Administration and Governance from Toronto Metropolitan University. Additionally, he completed the Ivey Academy Executive Municipal Leadership Program and is also a Certified Emergency Management Coordinator.

“I am honoured to take on the role of Fire Chief and continue serving the Stouffville community,” Doyle says. “I look forward to building on the strong foundation that has been established and working with our team to support a safe and resilient community.”

“He brings a clear vision for the future, a strong commitment to service, and the leadership needed to drive the continued growth and modernization of our Fire & Emergency Services. We look forward to the great work ahead under his leadership,” says CAO Sunny Bains.

Chief Doyle succeeds Fire Chief Bill Snowball, who has led the department since 2019. The Town credits Snowball with helping pave the way for the new Station 5-2 in Ballantrae, strengthening firefighter training programs, and placing a renewed emphasis on public education and community safety. “Chief Snowball’s leadership has helped position our Fire & Emergency Services team for continued success,” Lovatt says. “We thank him for his contributions and the strong foundation he leaves behind.”

Whitchurch-Stouffville Fire & Emergency Services includes 44 career firefighters and 13 volunteer firefighters, organized into four platoons operating out of two stations: Station 5-1 (Headquarters) and Station 5-2.

Photos of  Deputy Fire Chief Mike Doyle (top) and Fire Chief Bill Snowball (inset) courtesy of the Town of Stouffville.