After 30 years in public service, Brantford Fire Chief, Shane Caskanette will retire from the City of Brantford Fire Department. Chief Caskanette rose to the position of Fire Chief having been promoted through the ranks from Firefighter to Captain of the Fire Training Division and Deputy Fire Chief at the City of Woodstock before serving as Deputy Fire Chief for the Town of Richmond Hill, Fire Chief and Executive Director of Community Emergency Management for the City of Oshawa, and most recently as Fire Chief of Brantford Fire since January 3, 2017.

Chief Caskanette reflected on his time as Chief of Brantford Fire saying, "It's been an incredible honour and privilege to serve the residents of Brantford and the dedicated men and women of the Brantford Fire Department as Fire Chief.  I want to thank Brantford City Council, the community, and every member of the Brantford Fire Department for the immense trust and support you afforded me in this role."

Chief Caskanette's most significant achievements include, the relocation of Fire Station # 2, completion of the Community Risk Assessment and Master Fire Plan, and strengthening partnerships with the County of Brant, Six Nations of the Grand River, Brantford Police, Brant Brantford Paramedics, Brantford Power, Enbridge, the Brant County Health Unit and the Brant Community Healthcare System.

"Together, we were able to improve administrative and budget processes, technology, medical responses, resource deployment, training, communications, fleet, facilities, equipment, succession planning, officer development, social media, public education, customer service, community engagement and inspection programs," Chief Caskanette added. "I will miss the many friends I have made along the way and working alongside some of the brightest, most caring and dedicated people in community service. As for future plans, I plan on growing a beard, enjoying not being on call, and pursuing personal interests such as music, aviation and continuing education."

"I want to commend Shane on the passion and enthusiasm he has demonstrated and acknowledge his significant contribution to the City", said Brantford CAO Brian Hutchings. "Shane is a dedicated leader who played a significant role in preparing the department, the Emergency Operations Centre (EOC), and the community to effectively respond to this present emergency. On behalf of the City I want to thank Chief Caskanette for his three decades of  public service and wish him a healthy and happy retirement."

The City will begin the recruitment process to replace the Chief in the near future. Deputy Chief Todd Binkley will assume the position of Acting Fire Chief and Deputy Fire Chief Anna Everett will continue oversight of Brantford Fire's significant role in the City's current ongoing response to the COVID-19 pandemic.