UpFront New Westminster resident appointed fire chief

TheresaMcManus tmcmanus@newwestrecord ca

The City of NewWestminster didn’t have far to go to find its new fire chief.

After partnering with an executive recruitment firm to conduct an extensive, nationwide search, the city has announced that ErinWilliams has been appointment as the new fire chief.The New West resident has been serving as acting fire chief since early 2022

“Our highly trained firefighters and staff in fire suppression and fire prevention provide outstanding service to the community They work hard to keep residents safe day and night,” he said in a news release “I look for- ward to NewWestminster Fire and Rescue Services continuing to collaborate with and support other city departments as we tackle complex issues in our community

“We are fortunate to have staff with a diverse set of skills that will equitably and compassionately provide emergency services to all residents in our city”

Williams joined New Westminster Fire and Rescue Services in 1995, working as a firefighter until 2009 when he became a rescue unit lieutenant. He continued to work his way up the ranks.

Lisa Spitale, the city’s chief administrative officer, saidWilliams has established himself as a progressive leader managing the city’s fire service

“Erin is a collaborative partner spearheading initiatives within NewWestminster Fire and Rescue Services that prioritize the needs of the commu- nity’s most vulnerable,” she said. “Given the many challenges our community has faced in recent years, Erin is championing the city’s multi-disciplinary and multi-agency approach to emergency management, demonstrating how NewWestminster Fire and Rescue Services is an integral part of serving our community”

According to the news release,Williams is a New Westminster resident with strong ties to the community and a solid understanding of current and future challenges faced by the city

“During his 28 years with the city, Erin has produced a demonstrated track record in public safety and community service,” said the news release

“He also has a firm commitment to advancing city council’s priorities on equity, diversity, and inclusion within the fire and rescue services department ”

Williams was appointed as NewWestminster’s acting fire chief following the departures of the former fire chief and its acting fire chief, after former fire ChiefTim Armstrong departed on Oct. 28, 2021 and deputy fire Chief Curtis Bremner (who served as acting fire chief through the summer and fall of 2021) left in early January 2022.

Read more about Chief ErinWilliams’ plans for the department at www. newwestrercord.ca.