Robert (Bob) McFater
Employee # 8111883 - Pickering,Ontario
Summary
Highly experienced and strategic leader within Toronto Fire Services seeking the Acting Division Chief, Technology position. Aiming to leverage over 24 years of progressive leadership, technical expertise in mission-critical systems, and a proven track record in quality assurance and operational excellence to drive TFS technology initiatives, including NG911.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Quality Assurance and Improvement Manager
Toronto Fire Services
10.2021 - Current
- Strategic Oversight: Lead the creation, implementation, and oversight of comprehensive QA/QI programs to ensure compliance with industry standards and TFS goals.
- System Design & Innovation: Influence critical decisions regarding system design, performance reporting, and change management.
- Performance Analytics: Identify and monitor Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) and trends to address gaps in knowledge and operational performance.
- Fiscal Accountability: Provide strategic input into capital and operating budgets for system and software acquisitions.
- Staff Management: Supervise assigned staff, including performance management, coaching, and ensuring adherence to collective agreements.
- Infrastructure Management: Manage the Communications voice recording system, ensuring compliance with legislation and Freedom of Information requirements.
Captain, Training and Technical Operations Division
Toronto Fire Services
01.2018 - 10.2021
- Certification Oversight: Instructed and certified staff in NFPA 1041, NFPA 1061, and Public Safety Telecommunicator (PST) Level I & II.
- Program Development: Developed an APCO-certified evaluation program utilizing 29 KPIs and Standard Evaluation Guidelines (SEGs).
Special Duty - Liaison: Captain, Communications Division
Toronto Fire Services
01.2015 - 10.2021
- Executive Advisory: Provided strategic advice and feasibility recommendations on technology systems to the TFS executive and management teams.
- Modernization Leadership: Implemented policies for new CAD software and Mobile Data Terminals (MDTs).
- Acting Division Leadership: Represented the Division Chief of Communications in high-level meetings, conferences, and committee forums.
- Vendor Collaboration: Partnered with software vendors to develop and deploy Dynamic Staging software to maintain NFPA 1221 response time standards.
Captain, Communications Division
Toronto Fire Services
01.2012 - 01.2015
- Operational Excellence: Oversaw the 24/7 operations of the Communications Dispatch Centre, supervising 10 direct reports.
- Incident Management: Managed numerous multi-alarm fire events and Mayday emergencies, ensuring precise notifications and apparatus status.
Education
Some College (No Degree) - Business Economics
York University
Toronto, ONProfessional Development
Skills
- CAD systems
- Radio/RF Technologies
- NICE Recording Software
- NG911
- NFPA Standards
- CFAI Accreditation
- OHSA
- AODA
- Collective Agreements
- Member of APCO International
- Ontario Fire Communicators Association
- Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs
- Staff training and Coordination
- Change management
- Vendor collaboration
- Problem solving & Innovation skills
- Process updates
- Recruitment and hiring
- Productivity benchmarks
- Quality assurance
- Performance analytics
- System design input
- Program development
- Project & Vendor management
Profile
Over 24 years of progressive support and management roles within Toronto Fire Services, including time as Acting Division Chief, Communications., Comprehensive knowledge of emergency call receiving, dispatching, 2-way radio communications, and CAD systems., Experienced in leading major modernization projects, managing divisional budgets, and overseeing vendor/contract portfolios., Proven ability to lead multi-disciplinary teams, including supervising District Chiefs and technical staff, while fostering a culture of equity and inclusion., Deep understanding of NFPA standards, OHSA, AODA, and TPFFA 3888 CA.
Timeline
Quality Assurance and Improvement Manager
Toronto Fire Services
10.2021 - Current
Captain, Training and Technical Operations Division
Toronto Fire Services
01.2018 - 10.2021
Special Duty - Liaison: Captain, Communications Division
Toronto Fire Services
01.2015 - 10.2021
Captain, Communications Division
Toronto Fire Services
01.2012 - 01.2015
Some College (No Degree) - Business Economics
York University
Professional Development