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Oshawa appoints new deputy fire chief

Jan. 10, 2024, Oshawa, Ont. – The City of Oshawa has appointed Ken Whetham as its newest deputy fire chief of professional development, emergency management, and administrative support.

He has more than 25 years of leadership and emergency services experience, starting his career as a police officer and then moving to Oshawa Fire Services in 2009. He was promoted to assistant deputy chief in 2020.

“Ken’s technical skills, combined with his extensive background in areas of fire suppression and training, position him as an invaluable leader to our team,” said Fire Chief Stephen Barkwell in a press release.

Throughout his tenure, Deputy Whetham made significant contributions to the department, serving as a technical rescue team member and as a shift-training instructor for various rescue operations and medical training.

After a promotion to training officer in 2018, he developed, implemented and delivered training programs to suppression staff, as well as created video training, a recruit fitness program and an elevator rescue program.