Cambridge appoints first Assistant Deputy Fire Chief

Cambridge, Ontario. (December 20, 2022) – Fire Chief Brian Arnold is pleased to announce the appointment of Gina Cliffe to Assistant Deputy Fire Chief with the Cambridge Fire Department, effective January 3, 2023.

Retaining the role of Community Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Cambridge, Assistant Deputy Chief Cliffe will take on a broader portfolio which includes Emergency Management, Continuity of Operations Planning, Communications and Technology for Cambridge Fire Department.

Assistant Deputy Cliffe has over 23 years of experience managing programs and strategic planning and 20 years as a Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) in a municipal setting. She has been the Manager of Emergency Management and Business Continuity for 8 years. In this position, she fosters collaboration and provides senior management and council with a vision, leadership, strategic direction and policy recommendations for all aspects of emergency management, business continuity as well as facility emergency management programs for the City of Cambridge.

“Gina’s leadership throughout the pandemic was exemplary. She demonstrated political acumen and the ability to work with staff across all divisions. Her team approach to finding solutions and creating policies will serve her well in her new role,” said Chief Arnold. “Gina is well respected by her colleagues at City Hall, her peers throughout Ontario, and the staff of Cambridge Fire Department.”

Gina has a Master’s degree in Public Safety from Wilfrid Laurier University, is a graduate of Centennial College’s Emergency Management Certificate program and is a certified Business Continuity practitioner. She has been involved or has been a member of several committees, including Mohawk College Justice and Wellness Studies Program Advisory Committee, Fanshawe College Emergency Management Program Advisory Committee, Golden Horseshoe Sector Representative, past Ontario Association of Emergency Managers Board of Director member and co-chair of the Golden Horseshoe Working Group. 

City Manager David Calder stated, “We are very proud of Gina’s accomplishments and are pleased to provide this opportunity for her continued growth.” Calder also added, “The creation of an Assistant Deputy Chief position will increase the capacity of the fire leadership team and bringing Emergency Management within the realm of fire services creates greater depth in emergency planning and response for the community.”