After three years as its head, Rocky View Fire Services Chief Wayne Brown stepped down from the organization, last week.
Brown, 59, accepted a position at the City of Calgary in the development and building approvals department. His last day at Rocky View Fire Services was Sept. 10.
“In some ways it is bittersweet,” said Brown. “We have accomplished a lot. It is just time for a change for myself.”
Brown, who spent 36 years with the Calgary Fire Department, joined Rocky View Fire Services at a critical time, as Rocky View County was faced with taking over primary service from the cities of Airdrie and Calgary.
During his tenure the service went from one to four full-time stations and increased its full-time personnel from three to 44. In addition, the part-time contingent grew “exponentially,” he said.
“It was a unique opportunity to build a fire service from the ground up,” said Brown. “We do have a very strong leadership group at both the full-time and volunteer stations.”
In addition to the expanded work force, several new fire stations were built or are currently under construction, including Station 74 on Highway 8, the Balzac Fire Station and the new Chestermere station.
According to Brown, a new fire station is planned for the Bearspaw area in the next two years.
“It has been done very, very quickly,” said Brown. “We could not have grown this fast without the strong support of Rocky View County council.”
Brown said this job was his first opportunity to work with volunteer fire stations, and he was impressed.
“I really didn’t have experience with volunteer service and departments,” said Brown. “It has been a real eyeopener. I have met some great people.”
Brown said he is proud of all the members of Rocky View Fire Services who stepped up and did what it took to grow the fire service.
“You can’t get this done by yourself,” said Brown.
