Come July, there’ll be a new face behind the wheel of the fire chief truck.
Bowen Island Municipality has hired former North Vancouver fire inspector and training division captain Derek Dickson to be the island’s new firefighting lead BIM said in a press release Thursday afternoon. He’s taking over from departing fire chief Ian Thompson (Thompson’s leaving the post, not the island).
The press release says that Dickson worked for the North Vancouver Fire Department for more than 20 years, as a fire inspector and investigator, a certified structural firefighter and most recently as captain of the training division.
"In addition to his career as a professional firefighter, Derek has maintained his credentials as a certified Fire Protection Technician for over 25 years and continues to serve as a subject matter expert and instructor for Applied Science Technologists and Technicians of B.C. education programs," said the release.
Dickson is familiar with the island, since 2004 he has been assisting with the Bowen Island Fire Department’s annual open house, providing inspections and education.
The release also says that Dickson is a founding member of the Fire Rescue International Training Association, which offers training-based aid in El Salvador, Paraguay, Thailand, Peru, and Panama.
“I am excited to begin work with the management team and the firefighters on Bowen,” said Dickson in the press release. “I look forward to the continued success of the Bowen Island Fire Department and the opportunity to deliver professional emergency service to the community of Bowen Island.”
“We are so pleased to welcome Derek to Bowen Island,” said Kathy Lalonde, BIM’s chief administrative officer, in the release. “His skills and experience will bring a valuable contribution to our Fire Department and our community.”
“The fire chief will administer, plan, direct and control all aspects of the Bowen Island Fire Department including administration, fire suppression, fire prevention and rescue activities,” said the press release.
