Kingston Fire & Rescue Chief Monique Belair announces retirement

After 39 years in the field of fire and rescue, Kingston Fire & Rescue (KFR) Chief Monique Belair has announced her retirement, effective July 31, 2025. 

Chief Belair joined the City of Kingston in April 2023, coming to KFR from her role as Fire Chief of the Belleville Fire Department. She also held Deputy Chief positions with Oakville Fire, St. Catherines Fire and Emergency Services and served as a Regional Operations Manager with the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management. She started her career as one of five females in Canada serving with the Canadian Armed Forces as a crash rescue structural firefighter. 

In addition to her leadership roles, Chief Belair also founded Camp Molly, a program that provides a unique opportunity for young women aged 15-18 to learn what it’s like to have a career in fire services. In 2024, in partnership with KFR and the National Indigenous Fire Safety Council, Camp Molly also hosted sessions for non-binary and Two-Spirit youth.  

She was selected as Biosteel’s Women of Inspiration in 2019 and nominated for the 2022 and 2023 Premier’s Award for Community Services. She received an honorary diploma from Loyalist College in 2023 for her outstanding achievements and community impact. 

“On behalf of City Council and the Kingston community, I want to thank Chief Belair for her outstanding service and leadership," said Mayor Bryan Paterson. "Her contributions strengthening the department, championing inclusivity, and inspiring future fire service leaders have made a lasting impact on Kingston Fire & Rescue and the community. We are truly grateful, and I wish her all the best in this next chapter." 

“Chief Belair has served as a strong, progressive leader for Kingston Fire & Rescue during an important time in the service’s history,” says Neil Carbone, Commissioner, Corporate & Emergency Services. “She has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to safety and excellence, and has been a strong advocate for creating opportunities for diversity in the fire service. We wish Monique the best in her well-deserved retirement as she continues to mentor women and youth in her community.” 

"Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside and leading some of the most dedicated, courageous and selfless individuals anyone could ever hope to serve with. Across the province, fire services have faced enormous challenges and navigated significant change – but together, I believe we have built a stronger, more resilient foundation for those who will follow in our footsteps," says Chief Belair. "As I hang up my helmet for the last time, I leave with a heart full of pride and gratitude. I hope my journey shows that leadership knows no gender – only commitment, courage, and heart. I want to take this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to all members of KFR for your trust, commitment, and camaraderie throughout my time in this leadership role. 

An interim fire chief will be appointed in the coming weeks to ensure steady leadership at Kingston Fire & Rescue while a comprehensive recruitment process is undertaken for the City’s next fire chief.