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Markham promotes three to chief positions

Aug. 11, 2023, Markham, Ont. – Markham Fire and Emergency Services has promoted three of it’s own members to chief positions.

Chris Nearing is the new interim fire chief until July 31, 2024. He joined the department in 1995 and has served as the city’s deputy fire chief for the past six years.

Photo credit: City of Markham

To support Fire Chief Nearing and Deputy Fire Chief Matt Keay, the city promoted Ryan Best to deputy fire chief, effective Sept. 5. Best began his career with Markham Fire and Emergency Services in 2001 as a suppression firefighter, and has a strong understanding of fire prevention and fire protection systems from his experience in the private sector.

He has held the ranks of captain and battalion chief, where he demonstrated leadership qualities over his 22-year career.

Robert Garland has also accepted the position of deputy fire chief, in an interim capacity, from Sept. 5 to July 31, 2024. Garland started with Markham Fire and Emergency Services in 2005 as a suppression firefighter, and brought several years of experience as an emergency room nurse.

Photo credit: City of Markham

He also assumed a leadership position for 17 years as an on-shift medical instructor. Garland has held the ranks of captain and battalion chief, and is passionate about emergency scene operations.

In their new roles, Best and Garland will be responsible for day-to-day operations and will continue to support all divisions of Markham Fire and Emergency Services while working alongside Deputy Fire Chief Keay and Fire Chief Nearing.