There's a new fire chief in town: the City of Burnaby has appointed 31-year veteran of the Burnaby Fire Department Miles Ritchie as its new chief.
Ritchie started his firefighting career with the city in 1993, according to a news release, and worked his way up the ranks from fire lieutenant in 2011, to fire captain, to training captain by 2018.
In September 2020, he took on the role of deputy fire chief, where his primary role was administration.
Mayor Mike Hurley, a former Burnaby firefighter, said Ritchie brings a "wealth of experience" to the role.
"Miles understands the unique needs of our community, and we are excited to welcome him aboard in this new role," Hurley said in the release.
In 2012, Ritchie was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal along with Jeff Clark for their community efforts in bringing the World Police and Fire Games to Burnaby in 2009.
Ritchie began his duties as chief Oct. 7.
He takes over from former fire chief Chris Bowcock, who retired in July after 30 years with the fire department.
