New fire chief hired by city

April 2 Vernon Morning Star Richard Rolke

Vernon’s new fire chief is looking forward to the challenges that await him. Jeff Carlisle will take up duties at the department April 28. “I will get up to speed as quick as I can,” said Carlisle in an interview with The Morning Star. Carlisle is currently regional fire chief for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, which includes Fort McMurray, Alta. Among the issues Carlisle is interested in pursuing is the department’s ability to handle growth in Vernon. Carlisle, who will replace the retiring Johnny Lysholm, is impressed with what he has heard about Vernon and its firefighters. “The department has a very good reputation and a foundation for providing services,” he said. Carlisle was among 16 applicants for the job in Vernon, and six were interviewed.“Chief Carlisle comes to us with a wealth of experience and expertise, and we look forward to working with him,” said Leon Gous, the city’s chief administrative officer.

In 2003, Carlisle was appointed to the Alberta Fire Service Advisory Committee and is a recipient of the Premier’s Award of Excellence in that province. The Ontario native first got involved with firefighting when he joined the Canadian Forces 24 years ago and trained at its fire academy. He became a commissioned officer in the forces in 1988 and also completed his training as a military engineer. Highlights of his career included serving as the Canadian fire service delegation leader for NATO and developing aircraft rescue and firefighting standards for the Department of National Defence. He retired from the Canadian Forces in 1998. While he is looking forward to taking over the helm of the Vernon Fire Department, Carlisle is also ready to embrace the local lifestyle.“The North Okanagan and Vernon are appealing after living in the north,” he said.

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Jeff G. Carlisle
Regional Fire Chief [Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo]
Originally from Owen Sound, Ontario, Jeff Carlisle joined the Canadian Forces in 1974. Following basic training at Cornwallis, NS, Jeff transferred to Canadian Forces Base Borden, Ontario for apprentice firefighter training at the Canadian Force Fire Academy. For the next 24 years, Chief Carlisle served in posts across Canada. He also served at Lahr, West Germany for four years and served two years with the Navy. In 1988, Chief Carlisle received an Officer’s commission and, in 1989, completed his training as a Military Engineer. In 1998, he retired from the Canadian Forces Fire Services. After working for a brief period as a contractor in Goose Bay, he accepted a Deputy Chief position with the Fort McMurray Fire Department in 1999. In 2001, Chief Carlisle was appointed to the position of Regional Fire Chief, Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo.