Fire Chief Olivieri Retires Following Lengthy Career

HALTON HILLS, ON - Halton Hills Fire Chief Harry Olivieri has decided to hang up his gear following a 36 year career. Starting as a volunteer firefighter in Ancaster in 1984, he became a full-time firefighter and progressed through the ranks to Captain and Fire Safety Officer then moved to Hamilton when the municipality amalgamated in 2001. In 2005, he joined the Halton Hills Fire Department as Deputy Chief of Prevention and Public Education and was promoted to Commissioner and Fire Chief in 2018. 

“I want to thank the Chief for his service and dedication to this community,” said Halton Hills Mayor Rick Bonnette. “People who choose to make a career in the civil service typically do so because they want to give back to community. This has certainly been the case with Chief Olivieri who has made his mark over his 15 years of service with the Town.”

Highlights during his tenure as Chief include:

• Completing the amalgamation of fire dispatch with the City of Burlington
• Implementing a full-time recruit training program
• Implementing a drone program to be used in fire, rescue, and other tactical operations,
• Update of the Town Emergency Response Plan

Acting CAO Chris Mills agreed. “Harry has always been a key player on our senior management team and while I am sorry to see him go, I do want to wish him all the best. The Town is currently preparing to start an open recruitment process to secure his replacement.”

Chief Olivieri states, “It has been a pleasure and honour serving the citizens of Halton Hills.  Our successes would not be possible without my great administrative team and support from our firefighting team. I will miss the HHFD family who answer the call for help without hesitation whatever the emergency. Continue the great work you do and stay safe.” 

Chief Olivieri will retire at the end of the year.

About the Town of Halton Hills

The Town of Halton Hills, with a population of approximately 60,000, consists of two urban centres, Georgetown and Acton, the Halton Hills Premier Gateway employment area, three hamlets – Glen Williams, Stewarttown and Norval – and several smaller settlements. Halton Hills has long been recognized for its natural beauty, active agricultural community, high quality of life and proximity to major centres, including Brampton, Mississauga and Toronto.  The Town is ranked as one of the top small communities in Canada by a national magazine.

Visit the Town of Halton Hills website 

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