Administration

The Administration Division of the Niagara Falls Fire Department is located on the upper level of the Fire Headquarters at 5809 Morrison Street. The administrative staff consists of five personnel, including the Fire Chief, the Deputy Chief of Operations, the Deputy Chief of Administration, Executive Secretary, and Administrative Secretary.

For any administrative inquiries or to speak to one of the Chiefs, please call the Administration Office at 905-356-1321, ext. 2203 or 2230.

Jo Zambito - Fire Chief

Fire Chief Jo Zambito

Fire Chief Jo Zambito began his fire service career in 1995 as a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.  In 2005, in the rank of Captain, he transitioned as the first full-time Deputy Fire Chief working alongside a complement of 110 firefighters working out of five (5) fire stations.

Chief Zambito joined the Niagara Falls Fire Department in October 2016 as Deputy Chief of Operations which included the Suppression and Training Division portfolio and in June 2021 was promoted to Fire Chief.

Jo has dedicated his almost 30-year career to fire and life safety and has been actively engaged in many regional and provincial committees representing the fire service adhering to all three lines of defense - Education, Enforcement and Emergency Response.

As a strategic thinker, linking a vision with the current state and being able to not only plan but implement change initiatives has become a strength that has allowed for many successful transformations.

One initiative he is most proud of is receiving an “honourable mention” from the Conference Board of Canada for a joint regional public education program created locally here in Niagara.

In 2019, Jo was appointed as Regional Fire Coordinator by the Ontario Fire Marshal. This role includes but is not limited to, establishing and maintaining the Provincial Mutual Aid Plan for the Region of Niagara. In this role, Jo ensures adequate and coordinated efforts through the efficient utilization of fire department and provincial resources in the event of a mutual aid activation during times of natural or human-made emergencies.

With a strong background in Architecture and Code analysis, Jo’s peer recognition for his leadership style and performance management skills has been amongst the most rewarding moments of his career.  To be recognized for leadership has confirmed for him that supporting and investing in others is critical to building any successful organization.

Ken Henry - Deputy Fire Chief

Deputy Chief Ken Henry

Deputy Chief Henry began his fire service career in 1986 as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Niagara Falls, Station 4. In 1993 Ken was hired by the City of Niagara Falls as a probationary firefighter, then in 2012 to the position of Captain in the Suppression Division. In 2014 Ken qualified as an Acting Platoon Chief. In July 2020, after being in the role of Acting Deputy Chief Administration, Ken was promoted as Deputy Chief of Administration managing and coordinating the Fire Prevention and Communications Divisions. In 2021, Ken was promoted to Deputy Chief of Operations overseeing suppression and training for the department's full-time and volunteer complement.

Ken is a graduate of the Ontario Fire College, holding many certificates including Fire Officer Level III. Deputy Chief Henry held numerous positions on the Association Executive, the Niagara Falls Professional Firefighter's Association (NFPFFA) Local 528. During his time representing NFPFFA, Ken was instrumental in raising substantial funds on behalf of both the Association and City of Niagara Falls benefiting charities in need.

As a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, Ken believes that serving the community he lives in provides a sense of pride and ownership while keeping the residents of Niagara Falls safe. Ken is well-regarded by his peers and community for the service he provides both on and off the job. 

Scott Wilkinson - Deputy Fire Chief

Deputy Chief Scott Wilkinson

Deputy Chief Wilkinson began his fire service career in 1986 as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Thorold. In 1993 Scott was hired by the City of Niagara Falls as a probationary firefighter, then in 2012 to the position of Captain in the Suppression Division. In 2014 Scott qualified as an Acting Platoon Chief. For a period of time in 2019, Scott was in the role of Acting Deputy Chief Administration and in 2021 was promoted as Deputy Chief of Administration managing and coordinating the Fire Prevention and Communications Divisions.