The Town of Caledon has appointed Richard Murdoch as Deputy Fire Chief with Caledon Fire and Emergency Services.
Murdoch brings nearly 30 years of experience from Brampton Fire and Emergency Services.
He previously served as Acting Fire Chief, Deputy Chief of Operations and Training and Division Chief of Training.
Murdoch will take over from current Deputy Chief Dan Rowland, who is set to retire on 5 December after 37 years of service.
The town said Murdoch will officially begin his new role on 24 November 2025.
The town said Murdoch has built a reputation for leading with integrity, supporting teams and improving community safety.
It added that his background spans both operational leadership and training management.
He holds a Fire Service Executive Management Certificate from Humber College.
He also holds a Certificate in Emergency Management, Threat and Response Planning from Toronto Metropolitan University.
The town stated that he has numerous professional certifications in fire service leadership and emergency management.
Judith D’Souza Soares, Commissioner of Community Services, said: “Richard is a well-respected leader with a clear vision for how to strengthen fire services in growing communities.
“He has experience in both operations and training, combined with a focus on people and culture, which makes him an excellent fit for Caledon.”
The Town of Caledon thanked Deputy Chief Dan Rowland for his 37 years of service as he prepares to retire on 5 December.
It confirmed that Murdoch will succeed Rowland as Deputy Fire Chief.
Fire Chief Dave Pelayo said: “We’re excited to welcome Richard to our leadership team.
“His operational expertise and collaborative approach will help us continue to evolve as we serve Caledon’s growing population.
“He understands what it takes to support firefighters in doing their best work and keeping our community safe.”
The appointment date of 24 November 2025 provides a defined handover period with outgoing Deputy Chief Dan Rowland.
The town’s emphasis on combined operations and training experience sets expectations for leadership priorities in Caledon.
The stated focus on people, culture and community safety outlines the areas Murdoch is expected to support.
Senior officers and training managers can note the emphasis on dual experience across operations and training for a deputy chief role.
This profile indicates a continued linkage between instructional programs and day-to-day service delivery in Caledon.
The scheduled start date creates a clear transition window ahead of Rowland’s retirement on 5 December.
Municipal executives involved in workforce planning may view the move as an example of structured succession planning within a growing community context.
The statements from the commissioner and the fire chief define expectations around culture, collaboration and support for frontline staff.
