Deputy Fire Chief Brent Dundas named Firefighter of the Month for December

The St. Marys Fire Department is honored to announce Deputy Fire Chief Brent Dundas as the December 2022 “Firefighter of the Month.”  

Dundas joined the department as a firefighter in December 1982. Throughout his career he displayed a keen interest to steadily progress through the ranks to becoming a Deputy Fire Chief. In 1989, he was promoted to Captain and in 2008 attained the rank and position of Deputy Fire Chief. He will be retiring on December 31, 2022, after 40 years of service.

“As a highly dedicated and exemplary public servant, Deputy Fire Chief Dundas has been vital to the senior leadership team at the St. Marys Fire Department,” said Fire Chief Richard “Andy” Anderson. “Deputy Fire Chief Dundas has served the St. Marys Fire Department for 40 years and his journey to becoming deputy chief is a testament to the organization’s focus on professional development and mentorship. I extend my congratulations to Deputy Fire Chief Dundas and his family on this well-deserved recognition.”

Dundas is the recipient of the 20-year Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, the 25-year Ontario Fire Services Long Service Medal and 30-year Bar Firefighter Award.  

Brent Dundas has an impressive record of accomplishments as the Deputy Fire Chief. His experience is an asset to the leadership team of the St. Marys Fire department and complements Chief Anderson’s vision to modernize the service and to focus on innovation. 

“When I started in 1982, we did not have near the equipment we are so fortunate to have now.” said Dundas. “The equipment that we have procured over the last six years to fight fires, conduct water rescues and vehicle extraction operations, is top of its class.  This makes it safer and easier for us to perform our duties. Thank you to Fire Chief Anderson, Town Council and the community for their vital roles in helping us procure equipment, it makes a huge difference in the way we go about saving lives.”

“Being Deputy Chief comes with its challenges such having the ability to make quick decisions in ever-changing conditions.” says Dundas. “From the time you arrive on the scene and throughout the operation, you are constantly evaluating how to keep the firefighters safe so that they are able to complete the task at hand. I always tell myself that I would never send anyone anywhere, that I wouldn’t go myself. In the end, I want to make sure all firefighters come home safe! I have learned a lot from past Fire Chiefs, Captains and firefighters, and I am still today from Fire Chief Anderson, Fire Officers and all the firefighters.”

Dundas was raised in St. Marys. “I wanted to join the fire department because both my dad and brother were firefighters in town. Watching them respond to emergencies sparked my interest, so I ended up going to some calls with my dad and watching what they did… that’s when I knew one day, I wanted to join the St Marys Fire Department too!” says Dundas.

He is married to Darlene, and they have three children Justin, Brandon, and Nate. They also have seven grandchildren. Brent is retired from St. Marys Cement. “I am proud to have two of my sons that have completed Fire College and are serving on the St. Marys Fire Department, and my third son was also accepted to Fire College, but instead chose a different path in landscape design.”

Deputy Fire Chief Dundas will be formally recognized for his service in the new year.

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For media inquiries:
Richard “Andy” Anderson, Director of Emergency Services/Fire Chief
519-284-2340, ext. 201 | randerson@town.stmarys.on.ca