Kelowna didn't have to go very far to find its new fire chief. Following a lengthy Canada-wide search, Kelowna has hired Jeffrey Carlisle, the current fire chief in Vernon. Carlisle will take over January 4, 2011.
In a news release issued Friday morning, Corporate Sustainability General Manager, Paul Macklem, says Carlisle was chosen for his leadership experience and progressive management positions in fire services. “Chief Carlisle’s experience speaks for itself,” Macklem. “His demonstrated leadership and management skills will be a great asset in shaping the strategic direction for the Kelowna Fire Department.” Chief Carlisle has more than 36 years of fire service experience including 24 years with the Canadian Forces, Deputy Chief for the Fort McMurray Fire Department, Regional Fire Chief for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and most recently the Fire Chief for the City of Vernon, a post he has held since April 2008. Carlisle holds the professional designation of Chief Fire Officer and has his Master of Arts, Leadership degree. He is also the recipient of a Premier’s Award of Excellence and Alberta Centennial Medal for his contribution to the Alberta Fire Service. He will oversee the strategic direction of the 117 full-time personnel and 59 paid-on-call volunteers as well as the Regional Emergency Response Plan. The 2010 Kelowna Fire Department operating budget is $11.7 million. Acting Fire Chief Steve Kinsey will continue his duties until the New Year.
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In a news release issued Friday morning, Corporate Sustainability General Manager, Paul Macklem, says Carlisle was chosen for his leadership experience and progressive management positions in fire services. “Chief Carlisle’s experience speaks for itself,” Macklem. “His demonstrated leadership and management skills will be a great asset in shaping the strategic direction for the Kelowna Fire Department.” Chief Carlisle has more than 36 years of fire service experience including 24 years with the Canadian Forces, Deputy Chief for the Fort McMurray Fire Department, Regional Fire Chief for the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo and most recently the Fire Chief for the City of Vernon, a post he has held since April 2008. Carlisle holds the professional designation of Chief Fire Officer and has his Master of Arts, Leadership degree. He is also the recipient of a Premier’s Award of Excellence and Alberta Centennial Medal for his contribution to the Alberta Fire Service. He will oversee the strategic direction of the 117 full-time personnel and 59 paid-on-call volunteers as well as the Regional Emergency Response Plan. The 2010 Kelowna Fire Department operating budget is $11.7 million. Acting Fire Chief Steve Kinsey will continue his duties until the New Year.
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Fire Chief Takes Kelowna Job
Vernon will be looking for a new fire chief. Current chief Jeff Carlisle has submitted his resignation, and wil become the City of Kelowna's new Fire Chief on January 4th. Carlisle says the new opportunity aligns with his personal and professional goals and he thanks the staff of Vernon Fire Rescue Services and the City for their support since arriving in Vernon in April 2008. City administrator Leon Gous says Carlisle's tenure as Vernon's Chief was brief, but he maintained a concerted effort to improve fire and emergency response services to all citizens of Vernon. Gous says the recruitment process for a new fire Chief will start without delay.
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Fire Chief Leaving Vernon to Take On Kelowna Role- Jeff Carlisle pays tribute to local firefighters
Vernon Fire Chief Jeff Carlisle has resigned from the City of Vernon and will start as fire chief for the City of Kelowna January 4th. Carlisle tells us it was an unexpected opportunity and he's really looking forward to the new job. Carlisle will be heading up a larger fire department with an 11-million dollar budget. He says he has headed up a similar size department before and the transition won't be difficult. Carlisle has been the chief in Vernon since April 2008. ``The staff of Vernon Fire Rescue Services and the volunteers provide the citizens of Vernon with exceptional service,'' Carlisle tells SUN FM in a tribute to all Vernon firefighters. ``These are very dedicated, committed people who are looking to do the best that they can and they really work hard. It's been a real privilege being the fire chief here, although for a brief period.'' Carlisle admits it has been a ``challenge'' for the department to work with the current service deployment model and there has been controversy during his tenure as Vernon fire chief. He says his staff has done the ``best they can given the resources allocated by council.'' Carlisle says it was a ``discouragement'' to lose the second deputy chief position, a decision by Vernon city council in an effort to save money. ``I understand council's rationale for doing that,'' he adds. Vernon Mayor Wayne Lippert says he thinks Carlisle has done a good job as chief.
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