Brampton in mourning as City pays tribute to BFES Division Chief Ravjot Chhatwal

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Published March 24, 2023 at 10:09 am

Flags at Brampton City Hall are at half-mast as the City mourns a beloved member of the Brampton Fire and Emergency Services team.

The City issued a statement on Thursday saying BFES Division Chief Ravjot Chhatwal has died. Head of the Fire Life Safety Education division, Chhatwal was a well-known and well-loved member of Brampton’s emergency staff with friends, colleagues and community members sharing their fond memories of Chhatwal.

“Rav exuded joy and kindness to all he encountered, and demonstrated incredible leadership in helping build a safer and more inclusive fire department and community,” said BFES Chief Bill Boyes.

That joy and kindness did not go unnoticed by members of Brampton City Council, many of whom shared their grief and condolences with the Chhatwal family.

“Ravjot was a warm, kind and considerate man that never hesitated to help those around him and always had a smile on his face,” Coun. Michael Palleschi wrote in a statement provided to Insauga.com. “There are no words to describe how sad I am to hear about his passing, and it is with a heavy heart that I convey my deepest condolences to his family, loved ones, and colleagues.”

Coun. Rowena Santos said Chhatwal was “a trailblazer” and led BFES’ nomination application for the inaugural Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Award from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

“He was an ally and role model for many trying to break barriers. He was adored by his team,” Santos said in a statement. “You would see him at almost every city event but he was the one who only wanted to capture the moments for everyone else to enjoy.

Coun. Paul Vicente recounted how Chhatwal “always smiled and had a happy word for every person he met,” and said he will miss Chhatwal’s “kind supporting ways.”

PRP Chief Nishan Duraiappah and Chief Peter Dundas of PRPS both gave condolences on behalf of Peel Regional Police and Peel Regional Paramedic Service.

The City has lowered the flags at City Hall to half-mast until sunset on Friday in honour of Chhatwal.

 

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