Patrick Howe is the new Chief of Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue. After an extensive recruitment process to replace former Chief Chad Brown, Mr. Howe rose to the forefront. 

Chief Howe joined PECFR as a volunteer in 2012, progressing through roles as volunteer Captain, Career Training Officer, and most recently, Acting Deputy Fire Chief.

“Chief Howe brings to the position more than a decade of progressive experience with Prince Edward County Fire & Rescue,” CAO Adam Goheen said. “With his combination of strategic thinking, local knowledge, and commitment to the community, Chief Howe is the right leader as we chart the future of our fire and rescue services.”

In previous roles at Fire & Rescue, Mr. Howe modernized and standardized firefighter training, streamlined the inspection and maintenance of personal protective equipment, and secured new investments in firefighter health and wellness.

Prior to his career in fire services, he spent 15 years with Hydro One Networks, where he led vegetation management programs, supervised teams of front-line staff and contributed to strategic planning for provincial-level programs.

As Career Training Officer at Fire & Rescue, Mr. Howe helped lead a local recruitment drive for new volunteers and supervised training for Firefighter 1, Firefighter 2, and HazMat Operations levels.

Chief Howe will lead with the strong support of Deputy Fire Chief Tim Kraemer. 

“I want to thank Tim for his service as interim fire chief and for helping bring stability to the organization over the past several months,” Mr. Goheen said. “We will continue to draw on Tim’s experience and dedication as we seek to continuously improve the operations of PEC Fire and Rescue.”

PECFR protects Prince Edward County and its people through emergency response services, fire safety education, and Ontario Fire Code enforcement. With 10 career and 144 volunteer firefighters it reduces harm and saves lives during fires, medical emergencies, and other dangerous conditions caused by natural or human‑caused emergencies.