Greenstone Fire Chief Adam Lopatka Receives Northern Fire Chief Leadership Award
The Municipality of Greenstone is proud to congratulate Fire Chief Adam Lopatka, who received the Pat Bourguignon Northern Fire Chief Leadership Award at FireCon on Saturday, September 19, 2026.
Presented by the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs (OAFC) in partnership with Emergency North Training (ENT), the award recognizes a Northern Ontario Fire Chief who demonstrates exceptional leadership, commitment, integrity and dedication to the fire service and their community.
Chief Lopatka joined Greenstone Fire and Emergency Services in September 2023. Since then, he has accelerated implementation of Greenstone’s Fire Master Plan while focusing on firefighter training, recruitment, safety and the long-term sustainability of the department.
His accomplishments have included expanding firefighter certification and training opportunities, establishing a recruit firefighter program, securing funding for six new fire service vehicles, strengthening recruitment and fire prevention initiatives, improving firefighter health and safety measures, and working to address communication challenges in areas with limited coverage.
Chief Lopatka was nominated by Natalie Botzang, a volunteer Greenstone firefighter, instructor and President of the Geraldton Firefighters’ Association, who highlighted his commitment to developing firefighters and his role as a Chief, coach and mentor.
When asked what lead her to submit the nomination, Natalie stated, “Adam is exemplary in demonstrating what rural fire chiefs need to do to serve their communities. He faces challenges head on, finds solutions efficiently, and is genuinely committed to ensuring our firefighters are trained, equipped, and supported in our efforts to keep communities safe. I am thrilled to see his leadership recognized and I hope his work inspires other departments across Northern Ontario.”
Greenstone Mayor Jamie McPherson congratulated Chief Lopatka on behalf of Council and the Municipality:
“This is a tremendous honour for Chief Lopatka and for Greenstone. Adam’s dedication to strengthening our Fire Service and supporting the volunteers who protect our communities is evident in everything he does. Council is extremely proud to see his leadership and commitment recognized with this prestigious Northern Ontario award.”
The Municipality of Greenstone congratulates Fire Chief Adam Lopatka on this achievement and thanks him for his continued leadership, dedication and service to Greenstone.