Wayne Kennedy officially took command of Sooke Fire Rescue on Monday (Sept. 9) during a ceremony at Municipal Hall.
Kennedy was promoted to fire chief in July following the departure of Ted Ruiter. He brings more than 27 years of firefighting experience to the role, most of it with the District of North Vancouver Fire Department, where he rose to deputy chief.
As deputy chief of Sooke Fire Rescue, Kennedy played a key role in several initiatives, including transitioning the department to 24/7 service, enhancing the municipality's wildfire resilience program, and expanding the emergency management program.
Just two days after accepting the chief’s position, Kennedy faced a major test when the Old Man Lake wildfire broke out near Sooke Potholes in July. He led the evacuation of the Spring Salmon Campground and surrounding areas and activated the emergency operations centre.
At the change of command ceremony, Mayor Maja Tait presented Kennedy with a Sooke medal. The event was attended by fellow firefighters, members of the public, and Kennedy's wife.
“We welcome Chief Kennedy into his new role with great enthusiasm and confidence,” said Tait.
