Created through a partnership between the City and the SRD, the new full-time position will support public safety.

Effective December 2, 2024, following a competitive recruitment and interview process, John Baker has stepped into the new, full-time role of Deputy Fire Chief – Safety and Training with the City of Campbell River Fire Department (CRFD).

Earlier this year, the City of Campbell River (the City) and Strathcona Regional District (SRD) signed a service agreement to establish this new permanent position aimed at enhancing public safety across the region. Fully funded by the SRD, this City position provides dedicated support to all fire departments within the regional district, focusing on firefighter recruitment, training, record keeping, equipment specification, logistics, and bulk purchasing.

“The City’s Fire Department is staffed by a team of skilled and dedicated professionals who are committed to fire safety and prevention,” says Dan Verdun, Fire Chief. “John has built a strong reputation as a competent, respected, safety-conscious leader in the fire service. As deputy fire chief — safety and training, he’ll apply his skills, experience and fire-service knowledge to promote the safety of firefighters and residents in Campbell River and throughout all communities in the SRD.”

Baker was born and raised in Campbell River. As a lifelong resident, he joined the CRFD as a volunteer in 1988. Having completed formal fire school in Portland, Oregon, he was hired at the CRFD as a career member in 1993 and served in multiple capacities before being promoted to an officer in 2006. As the Deputy Chief — Safety and Training, Baker will direct and support health and safety, training, logistics, and maintenance, and will provide administrative support to the fire departments within the SRD.

“As a lifelong resident of Campbell River and a long-time member of the City’s Fire Department, I’m excited about making a positive difference in the city and in support of other fire departments in the region,” says Baker. “We have a very dedicated team that continuously strives to provide a high level of service. I see the positive impact our firefighters make in the community on a daily basis and I look forward to being able to support that level of dedication in this new role.”

For more information on the CRFD, visit www.campbellriver.ca/fire.

For information on SRD fire protection services, visit www.srd.ca/fire-protection.