​Central York Fire Services (CYFS) is proud to announce Rocco Volpe as the new Fire Chief serving the Newmarket and Aurora communities. Chief Volpe joined the department as Deputy Fire Chief in 2015 and has led both the Operations and Support Services divisions, serves as Community Emergency Management Coordinator alternate and most recently provided continuity of leadership in the role of Acting Chief since December 2023.

“On behalf of Newmarket Council, I’d like to thank Chief Rocco Volpe on the strong leadership he’s provided to the department over the past nine years as Deputy Chief and particularly this past year as Acting Chief,” says Newmarket Mayor John Taylor. “I look forward to seeing his continued leadership and innovation as he moves forward as our new Fire Chief.”

“We are proud of the very high level of service CYFS provides our community and I know Chief Volpe will work exceptionally hard to continue to keep our residents safe,” says Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas. “On behalf of Aurora Town Council, I’d like to congratulate Chief Volpe and I look forward to working closely with him to continue strengthening CYFS and the services they provide.”

The Town of Newmarket coordinated a competitive internal/external recruitment process to fill this important leadership role. Volpe brings 25 years of experience in the fire service, starting as a Firefighter and then Training Officer, progressing to Deputy Fire Chief roles, and most recently Acting Fire Chief.

“I am excited about the opportunity to bring my background and vision to Central York Fire Services and to lead the department in delivering exceptional service,” says Fire Chief Rocco Volpe. “It’s an honour to serve my community and I look forward to doing so alongside staff and with the support of our Joint Council Committee and Newmarket and Aurora Councils.”

Volpe brings a wide range of skills and knowledge to the department. His many accomplishments include: a Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership (MCML) from the Schulich School of Business at York University, diplomas in Fire Service Administration & Fire Service Leadership from Dalhousie University, Executive Chief Fire Officer Designation from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, 1021 Fire Officer IV certification and many other National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Certifications. He currently sits on the St. John’s Ambulance York Region Branch board of directors and serves as the Secretary and Treasurer for the York Region Fire Chiefs' Association.

Chief Volpe takes the helm as the third Fire Chief since the amalgamation of Aurora and Newmarket’s fire services to form Central York Fire Services in 2002. Retired Fire Chief John Molyneaux led the creation of CYFS and was followed by the late Fire Chief Ian Laing who joined CYFS in 2010.

Join our new Fire Chief at the Central York Fire Services Annual Open House this Saturday, September 21 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Open House is a fun-filled family event which furthers public education and fire prevention in the community.