Gibsons council heard from fire chief Rob Michael at the July 22 committee of the whole, as he presented the Gibsons & District Volunteer Fire Department’s second quarter report, highlighting training, staffing changes and public safety initiatives.
“Membership is currently at 46 firefighters, which includes our eight new recruits,” Michael told council members.
He noted the department lost four members this quarter, including Duane Hogberg, who retired after 26 years. “Although he stepped down from his formal role, he never ceased to be a leader in the department, and the void that is left behind will be impossible to fill.”
Michael introduced Chris Facchin as the new assistant chief of prevention, who “officially takes on his new responsibilities this week and has already shared some exciting plans to update the department's fire prevention programs.”
Training this quarter focused on “recruit training, hazardous materials response, live fire, firefighter fitness and pump operations.” Michael also highlighted a regional recruit bootcamp and wildfire training exercise, Operation Peak Preparedness, which involved departments from across the Lower Mainland and Sunshine Coast.
The department responded to 71 calls, including a structure fire, a dryer fire at a local motel, and a multi-vehicle incident on Gibsons Way. The fire prevention team completed 67 inspections, five referrals and three investigations.
Council praised the department’s work and raised questions about water usage during training and mental health supports for volunteers.
Michael said the department uses “hydrants … but we also have different means as well,” and emphasized the importance of “peer support in counselling, options, access to counsellors and other support mechanisms.”
Jordan Copp is Coast Reporter’s civic and Indigenous affairs reporter. This reporting beat is made possible by the Local Journalism Initiative.
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