The Armstrong Spallumcheen Fire Department has a new chief at the helm.
Rob Brown has been appointed as the interim fire chief for the fire department, the City of Armstrong and Township of Spallumcheen jointly announced Wednesday, Aug. 7.
Brown has had a lengthy and well-respected firefighting career, both in the North Okanagan and for BC Wildfire Service. Also a former fire chief, he has over 30 years of experience in the field.
Brown will act as interim fire chief immediately as the recruitment of a permanent fire chief continues.
“The City of Armstrong is proud to have members like Rob Brown who will step up to serve our community,” said Armstrong Mayor Joe Cramer. “Rob Brown has a wealth of experience and the respect of the department along with strong leadership skills. The city would also like to thank Fire Training Officer/Deputy Chief Ian McKechnie and Fire Prevention Officer Martin McQuade for filling the role of Fire Chief for the past two months.”
Spallumcheen Mayor Christine Fraser said the township is proud of the "exceptional" job McKechnie and McQuade have done with the fire department over the past few months.
"The addition of Rob Brown will add his wealth of knowledge and experience to the leadership team and the township is very pleased he was willing to step into this role," Fraser added. "We would like to thank all of our firefighters for their adaptability, commitment, and resilience during this time of transition in the middle of a very busy fire season.”
Brown has his work cut out for him, coming to the position as the currently out-of-control Hullcar Mountain wildfire is burning 670 hectares in size northwest of the community.
