Fire Chief Raymond Morley
(1970-1982)
Raymond Morley was appointed fire chief effective August 1, 1970. Morley, who was 48 years old, had 22 years experience with the fire department. Born in London, he had served in the Royal Canadian Navy prior to joining the department. Chief Morley helped introduce the emergency 911 telephone system to Canada alter picking up on its development in the United States. London’s 911 system was implemented in 1974. Poor health forced Chief Morley to take a leave from the job in 1981. His official retirement took effect at the end of 1982.
March 1975
Fierce fire in duplex kills UWO student
Capt. Bell, Firefighter Darcey and O’Brien were engulfed by flame and smoke as they tried to rescue a UWO student.
June 1976
Fireman clipped 10 days pay over coiffure
The London Evening Free Press
Wednesday, June 2, 1976
By Don Gibb of The Free…
November 1976
Fire chief wants 911 improved
London’s Fire Chief Ray Morley would like to see the initial answering of 911 emergency calls improved.
May 1979
600 Attend funeral for city firefighter
Almost 200 black-uniformed London firefighters and another 150 from departments in Ontario and Quebec took part in the funeral service for Rick Roman.
April 1980
Probers seek cause after $500,000 blaze
Fire destroyed the Classic Hobby Crafts Ltd., store on the ground floor at 263 Dundas and the How-To bookstore above it.
