New Westminster will start the hunt for a new fire chief and deputy fire chief later this year.
The top two positions in New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services have been vacant since former fire Chief Tim Armstrong departed on Oct. 28, 2021 and deputy fire chief Curtis Bremner (who served as acting fire chief through the summer and fall of 2021) left in early January.
Since that time, assistant deputy chief Erin Williams has been serving as acting fire chief of New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services.
“Our plan is to commence recruitment for the chief and deputy chief positions later this year,” said Richard Fong, the city’s director of human resources, in an email to the Record. “An extensive nation-wide search will be conducted for these key positions, considering both internal and external candidates.”
New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services has a six-person management team that includes the fire chief, the deputy fire chief and four assistant deputy fire chiefs. Williams (currently acting fire chief), Jennifer Gjaltema, Jeff Gill and Brad Davie are all assistant deputy fire chiefs.
“Currently, only the chief and deputy chief positions are vacant,” Fong said. “All assistant deputy chief positions are filled.”
According to Fong, Davie has been promoted to assistant deputy chief. He replaces Rob Dick, who retired in April.
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