Our vision: Inspiring and influencing a safer Ontario Our mission: The Ontario Association of Fire Chief's (OAFC) mission is to lead innovation and excellence in public and life safety. To achieve this, we provide a recognized, authoritative voice for all matters relating to the management and delivery of fire and emergency services in Ontario. We work cooperatively with the provincial government, key stakeholders, and other organizations to promote excellence and innovation in the areas of education and training, legislation and public policy, fire and membership services. We are a trusted advisor to the provincial government, key stakeholders and the media on matters relating to public and firefighter safety. Our members: We represent the chief fire officers of the 449 municipal fire departments in the Province of Ontario. These chief officers are ultimately responsible, by statute, for the management and delivery of fire, rescue and emergency response to the 13 million residents of Ontario. The 449 fire departments are divided into 32 career fire departments, 191 composite fire departments and 226 volunteer fire departments. There are 31,057 firefighters in Ontario, including 19,347 volunteer firefighters, 11,367 career firefighters, and 343 part time firefighters. We achieve our mandate through: Sound, responsible leadership A respected, recognized public safety profile Effective communication and advocacy A broad-based membership Member services Contemporary education and professional programs An internationally renowned Conference and Trade Show Creative partnerships A “can do” approach that builds stakeholder enthusiasm and trust