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OAFC executive director to retire

Oct. 2, 2012, Toronto – The longtime executive director of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) is retiring.

Barry Malmsten, a former municipal chief administrative officer who has been at the helm of the Toronto-based organization for nine years, told the OAFC’s board today that he will retire at the end of November.

Malmsten is well known for his knack for numbers and his analytical approach to fire-service issues. In the last few years, some of his work has focused on the 24-hour shift and labour relations.

Retiring OAFC executive director Barry Malmsten, with his wife Val, at the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs Fire-Rescue Canada conference in St. John's last week. Malmsten retires at the end of November after nine years at the helm of the OAFC. Photo by Laura King.

OAFC president Kevin Foster said in an e-mail to members Tuesday afternoon that Malmsten has strengthened member support services, improved and increased the association’s stable of events and helped to develop a strong advocacy program.

“During his tenure he has helped us build a strong organization that is in solid financial shape and has established a well-run office with a hard working, knowledgeable team,” Foster said.

There is no word yet on when a replacement will be hired. The OAFC’s board was to meet this afternoon.

In July, the OAFC hired former Oakville chief Richard Boyes as its chief operating officer to help the organization and the executive better serve members and manage the increasing workload. Boyes was president of the OAFC from 2007 through 2011.