Deputy Chief Leaving

There are more changes at Vernon Fire Rescue.

Deputy Chief Jack Blair will be resigning at the end of March after five years with the service.

Blair plans to continue his work in the private sector as a fire services consultant.

“I’m looking forward to taking on new opportunities and challenges,” says Blair. “I’ve had five great years with VFRS and the City of Vernon. I’ve enjoyed working with Council, our CAO, our partners in the local media and the residents of Vernon. And it has been a real pleasure working with the great team at VFRS.”

“Jack was instrumental in the development of the Fire Training Centre, which has had a positive impact for the whole region,” says VFRS Interim Chief David Lind. “Jack’s work with the construction of Fire Hall #3 has also had multiple positive effects, including working with the developers to bring the project in at approximately $600,000—a cost that is almost unheard of given the scope of the work. VFRS will continue to benefit from Jack’s work for many years to come.”

The City will begin recruitment for a deputy chief immediately.

During the transition, Wayne Price, Fire Chief for the City of Cranbrook, will be providing short-term administrative support to VFRS.

“Wayne and I have worked together successfully in the past and we share the same core values and business philosophies,” says Lind. “His support will provide us time to recruit the best replacement for Jack.”

Lind tells Kiss FM, Price will help out one week each month.

“They are in a good situation in Cranbook. They have a well established team and he is able to get away for a week a month without causing any troubles.”

Deputy chief Lawrie Skolrood retired from the force last November, and chief Keith Green remains  on personal leave, which has been the case since September.