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New deputy chief of safety, training will serve Campbell River region

Campbell Riverite John Baker will serve as the deputy chief responsible for public safety with Campbell River Fire Department
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Campbell Riverite John Baker will serve as the deputy chief responsible for public safety within the regional district.

A life-long Campbell River resident has stepped into the new, full-time role of deputy fire chief aimed at enhancing public safety across the region. John Baker's new role with the City of Campbell River Fire Department came into effect on Dec. 2. 

In August, the City of Campbell River and Strathcona Regional District signed a service agreement to establish this new permanent position. Fully funded by the regional district, it provides support to all fire departments within the regional district, focusing on firefighter recruitment, training, record keeping, equipment specification, logistics, and bulk purchasing, states a Dec. 11 media release. 

“The City’s Fire Department is staffed by a team of skilled and dedicated professionals who are committed to fire safety and prevention,” says Dan Verdun, city fire chief in the release. “John has built a strong reputation as a competent, respected, safety-conscious leader in the fire service. As deputy fire chief  safety and training, he’ll apply his skills, experience and fire-service knowledge to promote the safety of firefighters and residents in Campbell River and throughout all communities in the SRD.”

RELATED: Regional district bucks up cost of deputy fire chief for Campbell River

Baker was born and raised in Campbell River. He joined the fire department as a volunteer in 1988. Having completed formal fire school in Portland, Oregon, he was hired as a career member in 1993 and served in multiple capacities before being promoted to an officer in 2006. In his new role, Baker will direct and support health and safety, training, logistics, and maintenance. He will provide administrative support to the fire departments within the regional district.

“As a lifelong resident of Campbell River and a long-time member of the City’s Fire Department, I’m excited about making a positive difference in the city and in support of other fire departments in the region,” Baker said. “We have a very dedicated team that continuously strives to provide a high level of service. I see the positive impact our firefighters make in the community on a daily basis and I look forward to being able to support that level of dedication in this new role.”