City of Campbell River Welcomes New Fire Chief

The City of Campbell River’s new fire chief is settling in, a month after coming on board.

Chief Dan Verdun hit the ground running and swiftly settled into the leadership role at the City Fire Department, overseeing the City’s fire prevention, suppression, 9-1-1 dispatch, and emergency management programs.

Most recently, Chief Verdun came to Campbell River from Alberta, where he was the Fire Chief for the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service.

“The City Fire Department is full of highly dedicated and engaged professionals who I am proud to have the opportunity to work with in my new role as Fire Chief,” says Dan Verdun, City Fire Chief. “Thank you to the City staff and the residents of Campbell River for inviting me into your community. Campbell River is an incredible, friendly place, and I look forward to serving the community and enhancing the fire department with my experience and skills.”

Verdun started his career in the fiire service in 1995 as a volunteer firefighter in Union Bay and welcomed the opportunity to return to Vancouver Island.

As Chief in Union Bay, Verdun oversaw the implementation of a first responders program, began an occupational health and safety program, was active in the Comox Valley Chiefs Association and honed skills in leadership, instruction, fire prevention and emergency management.

While with the County of Grande Prairie, Verdun was responsible for the building and accreditation of the County’s first regional training facility and oversaw 80 crew members, two career fire stations, five paid responder stations, and two volunteer stations.

Peter Wipper, Director of Community Safety for Campbell River, says, “With proven success as a leader and a passion for fire safety and prevention, the City Fire Department and the community are in capable hands.”