Kevin Donaldson appointed Fire Chief of Kingston Fire & Rescue

Kevin Donaldson has been appointed Fire Chief of Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR), bringing more than three decades of experience and a vision to support the service’s continued growth and development. 

“After a comprehensive recruitment process, the City is pleased that Kevin will be stepping into the role of Fire Chief of Kingston Fire & Rescue,” says Neil Carbone, Commissioner, Corporate and Emergency Services. “Chief Donaldson has been with the City for nearly a decade, playing a key role in advancing KFR and consistently demonstrating the communication, leadership and strategic vision required to guide the service forward.” 

“Chief Donaldson has shown strong leadership throughout his time with Kingston Fire & Rescue, including while serving as Acting Fire Chief,” says Mayor Bryan Paterson. “I’m very happy to see him step into the role permanently and look forward to the continued great work he’ll do leading the service and supporting the firefighters who keep our community safe.” 

Chief Donaldson brings more than 31 years of progressive experience in the fire service, spanning both volunteer and career roles. He began his firefighting career in 1995 as a volunteer with the Stone Mills Township Fire Department, proudly following in the footsteps of his father, who also served as a firefighter. He advanced through the ranks in Stone Mills and was appointed Deputy Fire Chief in 2011. 

Chief Donaldson became Deputy Fire Chief in Napanee in 2014, before being appointed Fire Chief the following year. He provided leadership and financial oversight, in addition to managing administration, training, inspections and public education activities. 

In 2017, Chief Donaldson joined Kingston Fire & Rescue as Deputy Chief. Since then, he has been a vital figure in the organization, having led every division within KFR at various times. He supported the City’s successful accreditation through the Center for Public Safety Excellence and has demonstrated a strong ability to build meaningful relationships internally and with external partners. He has been serving as Acting Fire Chief since the summer of 2025. 

“In his time as Acting Fire Chief, Kevin clearly demonstrated his readiness to lead Kingston Fire & Rescue in a permanent capacity and advance its modernization as a service,” says Carbone. 

“I am deeply honored to serve the City of Kingston as Fire Chief. Having spent the past nine years as Deputy Chief with Kingston Fire & Rescue, I have had the privilege of working alongside an exceptional team of dedicated professionals who are committed to protecting our community. I am proud to represent the City of Kingston in this role and equally proud to lead Kingston Fire & Rescue as we continue to safeguard our city through service delivery excellence, collaboration, and an unwavering commitment to public safety,” says Chief Donaldson.