Brolund new fire chief

The District of West Kelowna didn't have to go far to find its new fire chief.

Photo: Contributed - RDCO

Jason Brolund, deputy fire chief with the Kelowna Fire Department, has accepted the position in West Kelowna.

The job became vacant when current Chief Wayne Schnitzler announced his retirement Dec. 1.

Brolund, who also serves as Regional Emergency Program co-ordinator will take over March 27.

"Wayne has led that fire department for an incredible number of years and has seen it grow from a small department to a much larger one, a paid professional department," says Brolund.

"A guy certainly couldn't ask for anything more in terms of stepping in and taking over."

Brolund has been a firefighter for 19 years, first as a volunteer firefighter then a full-time paid member.

He has moved up the ranks as a dispatcher, fire inspector and deputy fire chief and has worked with several chiefs past and present.

"I've been fortunate to develop these mentoring relationships, which has equipped me to take on this new opportunity," says Brolund.

"I have come to learn that in this leadership role it's about listening and about supporting the people doing the work out there every day."

Kelowna Fire Chief Jeff Carlisle says his department is sorry to be losing an exceptional member.

"Jason's commitment, leadership and diligence to the Kelowna Fire Department over the last two years has been extraordinary," says Carlisle.