Full Breakdown
Waterloo Names Sandy van Solm as First Female Fire Chief
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Appointment
The City of Waterloo announced on a Monday council meeting that Sandy van Solm has been appointed fire chief, succeeding retiring chief Richard Hepditch. Van Solm, who has served as deputy fire chief with Waterloo Fire Rescue since 2020, becomes the first woman to hold the position. She had been acting chief since the previous July.
Professional Background
Van Solm brings more than 25 years of public-safety experience across the City of Waterloo, the Regional Municipality of Waterloo, the Greater Toronto Area, and the Amsterdam-Amstelland Fire Services. She holds a Ph.D. from the University of Waterloo’s School of Public Health and Health Systems. While completing her doctorate, she helped develop the “Vulnerable Person at Risk” algorithm, designed to aid first responders in locating seniors receiving home care and assessing health needs during extreme-weather events. She also contributed to a municipal bylaw requiring property owners to install on-site fire-safety boxes, designate a helper for firefighters, and face fines for prolonged false-alarm delays.
Official Statements
Councilor Julie Wright, who chaired the meeting, thanked Richard Hepditch for more than 31 years of service to Waterloo and for 12 years as fire chief, noting the community’s gratitude for his retirement.
Verbatim Quote
“She has been a valued contributor and has been in the role of acting chief since last July. She has demonstrated a willingness to work, to listen and to be supportive to everyone who has worked in fire services,” — Fire Services. Kathy Weidhaas
Significance
Van Solm’s appointment marks a historic milestone for Waterloo’s fire department and signals a continued emphasis on fire-prevention initiatives, data-driven response tools, and community safety collaborations under her leadership.