After 45 years of service, Bracebridge Fire Chief, Murray Medley is retiring effective June 30.
Chief Medley began his career as a volunteer firefighter with Bracebridge Fire in 1978. In 1995, he became Captain and continued to rise through the ranks from there, becoming Assistant Deputy Fire Chief in 1999, part-time Fire Chief in 2000 and full-time Fire Chief in 2007, the first full time position for the department.
Medley has left an impression on the department during his entire career with the Bracebridge Fire Department, but as Chief, he made significant impacts that improved equipment and safety, modernized procedures, and ensured ongoing success and efficiency.
Medley led the Department in implementing National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standardized training for all Volunteer Firefighters, introduced modernized firefighting equipment, technologies and communications, and was an integral leader in the development of the Town’s first Fire Master Plan in 2001. To further set the department up for growth and success, Chief Medley led the design and development of Fire Station 1 at 225 Taylor Road, which opened in 2018.
“It has been an absolute honour working with Chief Medley over the years. His dedication and commitment to not only Bracebridge Fire but the entire community has been unwavering, and he has helped make the department what it is today. Chief Medley’s vision for the Fire Department has helped strengthen the team, modernize services and set them up for success both now and in the future. The Chief will be greatly missed. On behalf of Town Council, we wish him all the best and thank him for his tremendous service,” says Rick Maloney, Mayor, Town of Bracebridge
Even after 45 years, Chief Medley is still usually the first one to answer a fire call and arrive on scene. His passion for fire and community safety is admirable and permeates throughout the department. To this day, Chief Medley still acts as Command on large or complex emergency calls and is a mentor to the 45 staff and Volunteer Firefighters on the team. His expertise and years of service has also made him a valued partner for other Fire Chiefs in the region.
“On behalf of the entire Town of Bracebridge staff team, I want to thank Chief Medley for his service and dedication to the community. As a respected member of the senior leadership team, Chief Medley not only brings his wealth of knowledge and professionalism to every situation, but it’s his charismatic nature and ability to connect with team members that make him a respected leader. As Fire Chief, he has worked tirelessly to move the department forward and set it up for ongoing success. Thank you, Chief Medley, for your leadership, dedication and commitment to making Bracebridge all it can be,” says Stephen Rettie, Chief Administrative Officer, Town of Bracebridge
Chief Medley’s guidance, steadiness and expertise have made him a dedicated leader who has supported the community through its most challenging times. Since 2011, he has been the Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) or Alternate, leading the Emergency Control Group and residents through the 2013 and 2019 floods.
Photo via Town of Bracebridge
