Chief Vernon Hiller

Chief Vernon Hiller is a 35 year firefighting veteran and District
Chief with the Toronto Fire Services. He has been the recipient of the Governor General's Fire Service Medal, the Ontario Long Service Medal, a Toronto Fire Services Award of Merit, and a Sunnybrook Centre Cardiac Save Award. An advocate of lifelong learning, Vernon holds a Teaching and Training Adults Certificate from Durham College, is a graduate of Sheridan College's Performing Arts Program, and has completed Seneca College's Fire Fighter and Emergency Services Program. He also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History/Politics from Trent University. He is a former recreational triathlete, marathoner, and fitness buff, who now studies Leadership at Dalhousie University and is a Keynote speaker on the importance of Setting Goals and Building a Positive Mental Attitude.

Having grown up with ADHD or different learning abilities, he is all too familiar with the stigma attached to what society refers to as Learning Disabilities or LD’s. It was this and other experiences that encouraged his passion for personal growth, living with intent, and pushing past fear and self doubt as a means of exploring one’s potential. He hopes to inspire and support others who are struggling with similar challenges by sharing the discoveries, disciplines, and strength that can grow out of the adversity we all face in our lives.

A proud Canadian, he currently volunteers as a Board member with the non-profit charity LEADR, which tutors adults in a variety of literacy skills. In his spare time, Vernon has performed with his band at local fundraisers, sat on Parent Councils, coached children's sports teams, facilitated Marriage Preparation Workshops, and briefly hosted a weekly online radio show for Durham College's RiotRadio.ca. Currently writing a book on the motivational/goal-setting and deliberate living techniques he practices, Vernon’s goal is to share the lessons he has learned so as to help others forge lives of greater passion and intent for themselves.

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