A new top firefighter is on the job in Sparwood.
Kris Hill is Sparwood’s new fire chief following the retirement of Dean Spry.
Hill has worked with the District of Sparwood for more than over a year, he began his firefighting career when he was 16 as a volunteer with the North Oyster Volunteer Fire Department in Ladysmith.
He says he’s developed a good understanding of the community’s needs during his time with the District and has become familiar with many of the people and businesses in Sparwood.
The District is looking to fill its deputy chief position, Hill began his new role as chief on August 1.
View a statement from the District of Sparwood below:
The District of Sparwood is pleased to announce the promotion of Deputy Fire Chief, Kris Hill, into the role of Fire Chief, following the retirement of Chief Dean Spry.
Kris has served the District of Sparwood for over a year and has proven to be a knowledgeable and valuable asset to the community and the team. Born in Vancouver, Kris knew he had a passion for firefighting since he was a child. At age 16, he joined the junior program with the North Oyster Volunteer Fire Department in Ladysmith, BC. He gained experience, progressing in his education and began climbing the ranks at a young age. Kris obtained a Lieutenant position at the age of 22 and was consistently driven to obtain knowledge and skills through the pursuit of many courses and certificates.
“I am honored to accept this important role,” says Deputy Chief Hill. “Becoming a part of the community over the last year has really felt like I have found home in an amazing community. I was welcomed to this town from day one and feel like this is where I belong. I also believe I have developed a good understanding of the needs of the community and have become familiar with working with many people and businesses with positive outcomes. It really is a dream come true to wake up, put on the uniform and the Sparwood patch/badge and serve this community every single day. As for the future of the Fire Department, I see this dedicated team to continue with community events to support residents as well as focus on education and prevention measures to ensure public safety remains our top priority,” he says.
“Mayor and Council are very excited to have Kris accept the role of Fire Chief, says Sparwood Mayor David Wilks. “He has become an integral part of the team, worked diligently to foster public education, and of course supported the team in providing the community with critical emergency services. We have no doubt he will continue to lead and guide the team for many years to come,” says Mayor Wilks.
Kris officially steps into his new role as Chief on August 1, 2022, and the District will immediately begin recruitment to fill the Deputy Chief role.
Mayor, Council and staff at the District of Sparwood sincerely thank former Chief Dean Spry for his service to the community and wish him all the best as he enjoys retirement.
– Article includes statement and photo of Sparwood Fire Chief Kris Hill submitted by District of Sparwood
Comments