Newmarket and Aurora fire services have lost a longtime leader as Chief Ian Liang passed away early Nov. 30.
Newmarket and Aurora are flying flags at half mast following the news that he died peacefully in his sleep. York Region council discussed the passing at its meeting today, with members offering their condolences and holding a moment of silence. Laing had served as fire chief for 14 years and has worked with firefighting services 1975.
Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said the news comes with great sadness and shock.
“Part of the team, part of the family,” Taylor said. “Always good to work with and a guy who always had a smile on his face … He is going to be missed greatly, and our thoughts are with his senior team, the membership of Central York Fire Services and, of course, with his family.”
Laing has been a fixture on the fire services sector covering Newmarket and Aurora, which he joined after more than 34 years with Mississauga’s fire services. He also served as York Region’s fire services co-ordinator.
“He did so much, for both our communities, as well as the region as a whole,” Aurora Mayor Tom Mrakas said. “He’s going to be deeply missed by everybody. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.”
It is with great sadness and a heavy heart that we announce the passing of our esteemed Fire Chief, Ian Laing, who dedicated an incredible 48 years of his life to the Fire Service, leaving an incredible mark on the communities he served.
— CYFS (@CentralYorkFire) November 30, 2023
Info: https://t.co/hHJc9Q1saB pic.twitter.com/GrjjgxYyN6
Flags will be at half-mast in Newmarket, Aurora and Central York Fire Services facilities until after the funeral, which has not yet been announced.
The Town of Newmarket said that peers would remember him for his love of running rescues, competitions and being on the auto extrication team.
"On his personal time, he enjoyed rides on his Harley motorcycle and going on road trips with his wife," the town said. "Ian Laing truly loved the fire service."
The town highlighted that Laing's greatest source of pride was the opening of the fire service's station 4-5 in 2022, the first jointly built station between Aurora and Newmarket.
"This state-of-the-art facility not only helped CYFS respond to emergencies faster, but also provided enhanced training and opportunities for staff to strengthen their physical and mental health," the Town of Newmarket said.
The municipality offered its condolences and sympathies to Laing's family, friends and colleagues.
York Region chair and CEO Wayne Emmerson said it was always fun to see Laing. He called Laing a “true friend.”
“He always had a great sense of humour, and you would never know he was not very well,“ Emmerson said. “I know you’ll miss him. We’ll miss him here.”
Newmarket-Aurora MPP Dawn Gallagher Murphy said she is deeply saddened to hear of the passing. She said she was in the legislature when she heard the news and made a point of order, advising members of the legislative assembly of the news.
"I thought of the Chief as a brave firefighter, a well-respected leader, the voice of reason and authority. He deeply cared for his team, and always advocated for supports that would help them save lives," Gallagher Murphy said.
Newmarket Chamber of Commerce president Chris Emanuel said Laing's passing is "truly heartbreaking."
"Chief Laing dedicated his life to public service and keeping our communities safe," Emanuel said.
The cause of death was not available as of publication. NewmarketToday will follow up on this story if more information is made available.
