Esquimalt Council approved the hiring of David Ward as the Township’s new Fire Chief at a Council Meeting on Monday, May 3rd. David brings 35 years of dedicated service with the Saanich Fire Department to his new position with the Township. He will join Esquimalt Fire Rescue as chief effective June 21st, 2010.
“This marks a new beginning for Esquimalt Fire Rescue and I am pleased to welcome David Ward to his new position,” said Mayor Barb Desjardins. “His record of success speaks for itself and we very much look forward to him bringing his proven leadership abilities and vision to our fire department.”
Chief Ward—who held the position of Saanich Fire Chief from 2003 to 2010—is a believer in collaboration and engagement with all stakeholders and is known as an effective communicator. He has managed large-scale projects and initiatives for the District of Saanich, including the development of a new post-disaster combined police/fire dispatch communications centre, and the design and construction of a new training centre. Both of these projects were completed on budget.
David is an active member of the community, serving as President of the Victoria Junior Shamrocks Lacrosse Club for 5 years, and volunteering his time to a number of organizations and projects throughout the region. He currently sits on the executive of the Victoria Shamrocks Senior Lacrosse Club and has been honoured with the Distinguished Service Award for exemplary contribution to the sporting community by the Kiwanis Club of Victoria.
As chief of Esquimalt Fire Rescue, David will command a department of 24 full-time firefighters, along with one administrative staff member. Fire department resources include a command vehicle, a rescue vehicle, two fire engines, and a ladder truck.
For more information, please contact:
Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
Tel: 250-414-7133