Toronto Fire Chief Jim Jessop's Journey: From Recruit to Leading Canada's Largest Fire Department

To kick off 2025, we’re bringing you an interview with Jim Jessop, the newly appointed fire chief and general manager of Toronto Fire Services. Join host and retired fire chief Tom DeSorcy as Jessop recounts his 30-year career, highlighting key mentors and experiences that shaped his leadership. He discusses significant changes in the fire service, including improved safety equipment and stronger fire code enforcement. Jessop addresses the challenges facing Toronto Fire Services, emphasizing collaboration and proactive well-being initiatives for his staff. Finally, he offers advice to aspiring fire chiefs, stressing the importance of teamwork and seeking diverse perspectives. This episode is brought to you by VFIS of Canada. A division of CVIS incorporated , Canada’s largest insurer of firefighters since 1991.