There’s something powerful about sitting down to breakfast with the people who run toward emergencies when the rest of us are stepping back. Our March BCC Breakfast welcomed a full room of members, guests, and community leaders. The energy in the room at Sans Souci reflected just how much this community values the work of our first responders.
Thank you to each and every one of you who showed up! A full room at 7 a.m. is humbling
Three Chiefs & a CEO sit down to breakfast…
Chamber CEO Jill Raycroft moderated a candid and compelling panel conversation with three of the region’s top first responder leaders, leading a conversation that broke down silos and reminded us that the foundations of a prosperous community are built on the people keeping it safe.
Chief Carl Bowker — Hastings-Quinte Paramedic Services
Chief Bowker spoke on his nearly 30 years of experience to his role. A graduate of the Algonquin College Paramedic Program (1998), he furthered his training in aeromedicine and advanced care paramedicine before joining the Hastings-Quinte team in 2007. He rose through the leadership ranks, served as Deputy Chief of Operations for over a decade, earned a Master’s degree in Health Sciences, and was appointed Paramedic Chief in 2022.
Chief Murray Rodd — Belleville Police ServiceChief Rodd has led the Belleville Police Service since September 2024, bringing with him decades of experience. He began his policing career with the Peterborough Police Force in 1983, rising to Inspector of Operations before being appointed Chief of Police in 2008. In addition to his policing career, Chief Rodd served 22 years with the Canadian Forces Reserve and commanded the Blackdown Army Cadet Summer Training Centre. He holds an MBA from the University of Leicester, is a graduate of the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Seminar in Quantico, an Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, and a recipient of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police President’s Award.
Chief Dan Smith — Belleville Fire ServicesChief Dan Smith brings more than 20 years of experience in fire services and emergency management. He joined the City of Belleville as Deputy Fire Chief in 2022, after serving as Director of Protective Services/Fire Chief at Port Hope Fire and Emergency Management Services. Known for fostering a team-first culture that’s progressive and complementary to community growth, Chief Smith is as committed to the people inside the service as he is to those they serve.
The Conversation
Jill opened by reflecting on how each of us, at some point in childhood, dreamed of wearing a uniform — and how the reality of these roles is so much deeper than what we see “on the street.” The panel covered:
The full scope of services each department provides and how each department serves our community day-to-day.How their services have evolved over the last five years to meet shifting community needs.How all three services come together in an emergency.Wins and achievements from 2025 that their departments are proud of.
The room was engaged, the conversation was honest, and more than a few people left with a new appreciation for just how interwoven our safety net really is. Jill also shared that she and Inspector Jeremy Ashley are working together on a communications plan to better connect BCC members to resources, alerts, and how the Belleville Police Service can support local business.A Special WelcomeChamber President Lisa Comerford extended a warm welcome to elected officials in attendance, including Mayor Neil Ellis and Councillors Barb Enright-Miller, Margaret Seu, and Garnet Thompson. We were also thrilled to welcome several first-timers to the breakfast:
– Josie Cleary of the Belleville Fire Department
– Syed Muzzammill Fatha of Nurse Next Door (new Chamber member!)
– Gordon & Teri McLaughlin of Sotheby’s International Realty (new Chamber members!)
– Emily Siegner from Habitat for Humanity PEH — her first breakfast!
And a shout out to Janet Harnden, who was back in the room cheering on the Belleville Police Service. And, to our BCC Board members for joining us: Jared Bellemare (Whitley Newman Insurance), Mark Kirkpatrick (Loyalist College), Heidi Nemish (Wilkinson & Company LLP), Rakesh Parmar (Linguine’s Italian Restaurant), Sandi Ramsay (Centre for Workforce Development), and Dean Tindale (Bel-Con).
March BCC Breakfast Sponsors:
Our March BCC Breakfast was proudly sponsored by Habitat for Humanity Prince Edward Hastings, represented by CEO Hazzem Koudsi, along with team members Meg Landon, Emily Siegner (marking her very first Chamber Breakfast!), and Cindy Windsor. Hazzem took a moment to speak to the important work Habitat for Humanity is doing right here in our region — connecting community builders with community needs in the most meaningful ways.
Thanks also to our media partners, Starboard Communications / 95.5 FM & Cool 100 and InQuinte, for their continued support of our Coffee Mingle before each BCC Breakfast!
Mark Your Calendars — No April Breakfast!A friendly reminder: there is no Chamber Breakfast in April. Instead, we invite you to join us for two major upcoming events:
🗓️ Annual General Meeting (AGM) — Thursday, April 30 at Quinte Gardens (lunchtime event)🌟 President’s Dinner & Cornerstone Awards — Thursday, May 8
Thank You!
…To Greg and the team at Sans Souci! Thank you for another wonderful spread and seamless event.
…And to Chief Bowker, Chief Rodd, and Chief Dan Smith! Thank you to each of you for your time, your transparency, and for everything your teams do for this community, every single day.
