News Release - Port Alberni Appoints New Fire Chief

The City of Port Alberni is pleased to announce the appointment of Kelly Gilday as the new Fire Chief for the Port Alberni Fire Department (PAFD).  Mr. Gilday, currently Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Langley, will officially assume his new duties on November 28, 2016.    

With an extensive 21-year career in fire service leadership and emergency planning, Mr. Gilday is a highly respected chief officer with experience in various municipalities, including the cities of Langley, Grande Prairie, and Prince George.  In addition, Mr. Gilday has served as Deputy Fire Commissioner for the Province of BC, and has been a sessional instructor with the Justice Institute of BC – Fire Safety Division for the past 15 years.

“We are very excited to welcome Chief Gilday to our organization and community. With his skills and experience, I know he will make a significant contribution to our city by bringing his unique vision and expertise in continuing to deliver high-quality emergency response services to the citizens of Port Alberni,” said Tim Pley, Chief Administrative Officer.

Mr. Gilday’s post-secondary accreditations include a diploma in Fire Service Leadership, Fire Officer Level IV, ICS Level 400, and certificates in Business Management and Emergency Management. He has also received the Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.  

“Mr. Gilday will be a great addition to the City’s management team,” said Mayor Mike Ruttan. “Throughout his career, he has championed emergency response services and demonstrated the ability to work collaboratively with stakeholders and bring new creative solutions to challenging issues.”

“It is an honour and a privilege to be selected as the new Fire Chief for the City of Port Alberni,” said Mr. Gilday.  “The PAFD is known for its professional service to the community and leadership within the region. My wife and I have spent a great deal of time in and around Port Alberni over the last 5 years and are excited to join the community on a permanent basis.”

The Port Alberni Fire Department responds to approximately 1,200 emergency calls and conducts 650 planned inspections each year.

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For more information:

Tim Pley, CAO
City of Port Alberni
250-720-2824
timothy_pley@portalberni.ca
 

Mayor Mike Ruttan
City of Port Alberni
250-720-2822
mike_ruttan@portalberni.ca