Deryn Rizzi named permanent Mississauga fire chief, first woman to hold title

The province’s first female fire chief is on the move and making history again.

Deryn Rizzi has been hired by the city of Mississauga as its new fire chief.

Rizzi replaces Tim Beckett, who retired last year becoming Mississauga’s first permanent female fire chief.

“I am excited to have Deryn at the City of Mississauga and my thanks to Nancy Macdonald-Duncan for her leadership as Acting Chief during the transition period. Deryn brings a wide range of experience at the federal, provincial, and municipal level in leading day-to-day operations and also in strategic support for all areas of the fire service,” said Shari Lichterman, Commissioner, Community Services.

“Beyond her work in fire halls, Chief Rizzi is a trusted, respected and sought-after thought leader, committed to mentoring and educating about proven and emerging best practices on emergency preparedness and response. We are proud to welcome her as Mississauga’s first permanent female Fire Chief.”

Rizzi has 20 years of experience, starting her career as a firefighter in Vaughan and climbing the ladder to chief in 2018.

She became the first woman ever in that lead role.

Her first day leading Mississauga’s fire department is February 2.