About the Fire Chiefs

Fire Chief Jo Zambito began his fire service career in 1995 as a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. In 2005, in the rank of Captain, he transitioned as the first full-time Deputy Fire Chief working alongside a complement of 110 firefighters working out of five (5) fire stations.

Chief Zambito joined the Niagara Falls Fire Department in October 2016 as Deputy Chief of Operations, which included the Suppression and Training Division portfolio, and in June 2021, was promoted to Fire Chief.

Jo has dedicated almost 30 years to fire and life safety and has been actively engaged in many regional and provincial committees representing the fire service, adhering to all three lines of defence - Education, Enforcement and Emergency Response.

As a strategic thinker, linking a vision with the current state and being able to not only plan but also implement change initiatives has become a strength that has allowed for many successful transformations.

One initiative he is most proud of is receiving an “honourable mention” from the Conference Board of Canada for a joint regional public education program created locally here in Niagara.

In 2019, Jo was appointed as Regional Fire Coordinator by the Ontario Fire Marshal. This role includes but is not limited to establishing and maintaining the Provincial Mutual Aid Plan for the Region of Niagara. In this role, Jo ensures adequate and coordinated efforts through the efficient utilization of fire department and provincial resources in the event of a mutual aid activation during times of natural or human-made emergencies.

With a strong background in Architecture and Code analysis, Jo’s peer recognition for his leadership style and performance management skills has been amongst the most rewarding moments of his career. To be recognized for leadership has confirmed for him that supporting and investing in others is critical to building any successful organization.

Deputy Chief Henry began his fire service career in 1986 as a volunteer firefighter for the City of Niagara Falls, Station 4. In 1993 Ken was hired by the City of Niagara Falls as a probationary firefighter, then in 2012 to the position of Captain in the Suppression Division. In 2014 Ken qualified as an Acting Platoon Chief. In July 2020, after being in the role of Acting Deputy Chief Administration, Ken was promoted as Deputy Chief of Administration managing and coordinating the Fire Prevention and Communications Divisions. In 2021, Ken was promoted to Deputy Chief of Operations overseeing suppression and training for the department's full-time and volunteer complement.

Ken is a graduate of the Ontario Fire College, holding many certificates including Fire Officer Level III. Deputy Chief Henry held numerous positions on the Association Executive, the Niagara Falls Professional Firefighter's Association (NFPFFA) Local 528. During his time representing NFPFFA, Ken was instrumental in raising substantial funds on behalf of both the Association and City of Niagara Falls benefiting charities in need.

As a lifelong resident of Niagara Falls, Ken believes that serving the community he lives in provides a sense of pride and ownership while keeping the residents of Niagara Falls safe. Ken is well-regarded by his peers and community for the service he provides both on and off the job. 

Deputy Chief Lawson began his fire service career in 2004 as a volunteer firefighter for the Town of Grimsby. After being promoted to Captain, he completed his Fire Prevention Officer Diploma from the Ontario Fire College and worked as a Fire Prevention Officer in Niagara-on-the-Lake and St. Catharines before joining the City of Port Colborne in 2015.

In Port Colborne, as the Fire Prevention Officer, Scott re-energized the fire prevention program by emphasizing public education as the first line of defense. His dedication and the department's efforts were not in vain, as they were recognized for their unwavering commitment to public education, winning three consecutive Fire Marshal's Public Safety Council Fire Safety Awards.

Once promoted to Deputy Chief of Port Colborne, Scott’s portfolio included fire prevention, operations and training. As Fire Chief for the City of Port Colborne, Scott upgraded the fire service’s hazmat capabilities and created joint ventures with private industry that added value to the department. Deputy Chief Lawson has been highly regarded by those he has worked with over the years in all capacities in fire services.

In April 2024, Scott was hired as Deputy Chief of Administration for the City of Niagara Falls Fire Department, managing and coordinating the Fire Prevention and Communications Divisions. Deputy Chief Lawson holds a Civil Engineering Diploma and NFPA certification and recently completed his Bachelor of Applied Business in Emergency Management.