From Humble Beginnings
In 1925, Caledon Fire & Emergency Services (CFES) began its journey with a grassroots effort to address growing fire risks in rural homesteads and developing villages. Armed with little more than buckets, hoses, and unwavering commitment, early community volunteers laid the foundation for what would become a thriving fire service. The ringing of a brass bell often summoned these heroes to action—a symbol of their dedication that is now lovingly restored and displayed at Station 302.
“Caledon Fire & Emergency Services is a powerful reflection of community spirit, tradition, and forward-thinking leadership,” said fire chief Dave Pelayo. “What makes it truly special is its composite model—bringing together dedicated full-time firefighters and an incredible team of over 280 volunteer/paid-on-call firefighters who live and work in the very communities they protect. There’s a deep sense of pride and ownership across the department, from senior leadership to frontline responders, and that’s rooted in a 100-year legacy of grassroots service.”
Expansion and Transformation
The service grew steadily between the 1960s and 1980s as neighbouring villages like Palgrave, Caledon East, Alton, and Inglewood joined in recognizing the need for improved fire safety. This era marked the transition from independent village brigades to a unified town-wide fire department. Alongside Caledon’s municipal development, CFES invested in training, equipment, and recruitment. Today, its nine strategically located fire stations ensure quick and efficient response throughout the Town of Caledon.
“It truly is a milestone year for Caledon Fire. Celebrating 100 years of service is not just about looking back – it’s also about looking forward,” Pelayo said. “This anniversary honours the early volunteers who responded with buckets and courage, and it highlights how far the department has come – with nine stations, nearly 350 personnel, and a fleet of modern apparatus.”
A Modern Force
Caledon Fire & Emergency Services now operates as a progressive composite fire department with a blend of both full-time and volunteer/paid-on-call personnel. The team includes over 340 members, ranging from firefighters to prevention officers, trainers, and administrative staff. With a fleet of 27 firefighting apparatus, including aerials, pumpers, and utility vehicles, CFES is ready to meet the diverse needs of the community.
Caledon is also celebrating two programming milestones that will change the force into the future. The beginning of Camp Molly, a training program for female and non-binary youth, that expose them to firefighting as a potential career, is a unique opportunity cherished by the Caledon Force.
And recently, Caledon has been designated a regional training centre for regular members.
“This designation is a testament to Council’s commitment to Caledon Fire and Emergency Services and the safety of our community. By investing in our responders, we are investing in the future of Caledon,” said Mayor Annette Groves. “This is a significant step towards ensuring we have a robust emergency response system that can adapt to the needs of our growing community.”
Ensuring that firefighters are well-trained and equipped is essential to protecting residents as Caledon’s population continues to grow. This new training centre will not only provide Caledon firefighters with advanced skills and knowledge, but will also strengthen relationships with neighbouring municipalities, enhancing the Town’s collective response.
“Camp Molly coming to Caledon is an opportunity to empower young women and non-binary youth to explore careers in fire and emergency services and to inspire the next generation of leaders,” Pelayo said. “Caledon’s recent designation as a Regional Training Centre across the GTHA further cements our leadership role in emergency services, allowing us to build capacity, train at a higher standard, and share our expertise across the province. Together, all these milestones reiterate our continued commitment to modernization, innovation and sustainable growth to meet the needs of our evolving community.”
More Than Firefighting
CFES’s commitment to safety extends well beyond emergency responses. Their public education programs include school visits, station tours, seasonal campaigns, and the Home Safe Home initiative to promote fire and carbon monoxide alarm awareness. The department also enforces fire code compliance, coordinates disaster planning, and supports responders’ mental health through tailored resources. Community wellness initiatives such as the Comfort Bear Program provide solace to children during crises, while ceremonial teams honour tradition through parades and events.
While most people recognize the fire service for emergency response, CFES plays a much broader role in keeping the community safe and connected. Some of the lesser-known services include:
• Public education & outreach: CFES offers fire safety programs in schools, host station tours, and run year-round campaigns for fire prevention. Targeted initiatives include events for Seniors Month, Carbon Monoxide Awareness Week, Fire Prevention Week, Emergency Preparedness Week, and ongoing seasonal fire safety messaging. They also run Home Safe Home – a door to door smoke and carbon monoxide alarm program from May to October every year.
• Fire inspections & code enforcement: Prevention officers help ensure buildings comply with fire code regulations and work directly with property owners to support safety and compliance.
• Emergency management: CFES supports the Town’s emergency preparedness efforts, including disaster planning, emergency operations coordination, and incident command during major events or crises.
• Community wellness initiatives: Programs like the Comfort Bear Program, delivered in partnership with Tim Hortons, provide comfort to children during emergencies. CFES also prioritizes the mental health of their responders by providing resources and peer support.
• Ceremonial teams (Colour Guard, Honour Guard, Piper): These dedicated members represent CFES with professionalism at public ceremonies, parades, line-of-duty funerals, and other official functions – honouring tradition through ceremonial flag presentation and traditional bagpipe music.
Celebrating a Milestone
As CFES marks its 100th anniversary, the community is invited to join the celebrations. Highlights include Culture Days Open Houses, where residents can meet firefighters and explore equipment, and the Caledon Day Mini Combat Challenge, a fun and interactive showcase of firefighting tools and techniques. Special anniversary flags proudly fly at each station, commemorating this incredible milestone.
A Legacy Worth Celebrating
Over the past century, CFES has grown in size and capability, but its commitment to Caledon’s safety remains steadfast. Many members have served for decades, mentoring new recruits and fostering strong community bonds. The addition of full-time firefighters reflects an ongoing evolution to meet residents’ needs, ensuring that this proud legacy continues for generations to come.
This centennial celebration is not just about looking back—it’s about honouring the courageous individuals who have shaped CFES into what it is today. From humble beginnings to a modern firefighting force, the department’s dedication to service, safety, and community is truly worth celebrating.
“To the incredible team at Caledon Fire & Emergency Services: a very heartfelt thank you,” Pelayo said. “This 100-year milestone is a testament to your courage, professionalism, and teamwork. Whether you’ve been here for a few months or a few decades, you are part of a proud legacy.
“To the long-serving members who have given 20, 30, even 40 years of service – you’ve set the standard and mentored the next generation. To the new recruits – your journey is just beginning, but you are part of something enduring and deeply respected. On this special anniversary, we honour the past, celebrate the present, and look ahead with confidence – knowing this team is ready for whatever comes next.”