About the Author

Originally from Ladysmith, British Columbia, Thomas started his career with the Fire Service in February 1989 with Ladysmith Fire/Rescue where he spent 16 years in the positions of fire fighter, Lieutenant and later promoted to Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, Training and Prevention.

In 2004 Thomas relocated near the Okanagan where he accepted a position as Captain with the Big White Fire Department for the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, British Columbia. After a short time, Thomas was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief where he managed the department’s fire prevention program and assisted in coordinating the departments training and operations.

In 2006, Thomas had the desire to work for a larger fire department and was given an opportunity with the Kelowna Fire Department, British Columbia. Initially starting his career with Kelowna as a Fire Dispatcher, Thomas worked his way to Fire Inspector in 2008 and in 2009 accepted the position of Assistant Fire Chief where he managed the Training Branch and the Regional Rescue Program for the Central Okanagan Regional District which consisted of Hazardous Materials Response, Technical High Angle Rescue, Tower Crane Rescue, Marine Rescue, Confined Space, Swift Water and Ice Rescue as well as Vehicle Rescue.

In 2011, after a leadership restructuring of the Kelowna Fire Department, Thomas was promoted to Deputy Fire Chief of Administration, Training and Fire Prevention. Throughout his career, Thomas has continued to build on his education, and fire service leadership where he currently is working on his Bachelor’s Degree in Fire Safety Studies as well as his Fire Service Leadership Diploma.

During his time in the fire service, Thomas also maintained a part time career for 10 years as a Paramedic with the British Columbia Ambulance Service, and served 10 years with the Search & Rescue on Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Thomas Doherty, Deputy Fire Chief
Kelowna Fire Department

E-mail: tdoherty@kelowna.ca