DEBBIE HIGGINS

Debbie Higgins is a highly respected leader in the Canadian fire service, with a distinguished career spanning over 35 years. Her extensive background includes 25 years with Toronto Fire Services, 5 years with the City of Mississauga, a contract with the City of Guelph Fire Department, and 5 years with IER–Planning, Research and Management Services.

Most recently, Debbie served as Deputy Fire Chief, Administration for the City of Guelph, where she reported directly to the General Manager of Fire Services. In this role, she oversaw administrative operations, strategic planning, policy development, legislative compliance, and technology integration. Prior to that, she retired as Deputy Fire Chief for Toronto Fire Services, where she led quality assurance, dispatch, and administrative teams, supported the Fire Prevention Bureau, and facilitated community engagement initiatives.

Debbie’s leadership extended to her role as Executive Officer (Special Projects Manager), where she managed high-impact initiatives including the development of the Fire Services Strategic Plan/Master Fire Plan and co-chaired the Bid Committee for the 2015 and 2017 World Police and Fire Games.

Her expertise includes budgeting, procurement, project management, business planning, and inter-agency collaboration at provincial, national, and international levels. She played a key role in managing funding strategies for Toronto’s Heavy Urban Search and Rescue (HUSAR) Team, and participated in the Succession Planning Program, serving in an acting capacity as Division Chief for Fire Prevention and Public Education.

Debbie also led the planning and development of a community centre, public library, and secondary school partnership, and contributed to strategic initiatives such as the proposed amalgamation of land ambulance services in Peel Region, long-term station placement strategies, and a public-private partnership for a new spectator arena complex.

Her career reflects a deep commitment to public safety, strategic innovation, and collaborative leadership.