Nanaimo’s first female fire chief will take the helm of Nanaimo Fire Rescue.
The City of Nanaimo announced today that Karen Fry will be the new fire chief, taking over from Craig Richardson who retired this past spring.
Fry is the first female head of a career-structured fire department for Nanaimo and Vancouver Island and the second for B.C., a press release says.
She has an 18-year career in community firefighting and fire prevention that began in Nanaimo where she was hired as a dispatcher and most recently was the city’s acting fire chief.
In the press release, Fry said it’s an honour to receive the support that led to her appointment and among key priorities for her will be implementing a recently adopted fire plan, reducing harm by ensuring the community is protected with working smoke alarms and making sure employees have the support and resources they need when exposed to physical and emotional trauma.
“Under my leadership, be prepared to see our incredible firefighters out in the public and engaging the community more. They will take on opportunities to provide fire safety education, install free smoke alarms and teach bystander CPR and emergency planning,” she said.
Tracy Samra, chief administrative officer, said the city is pleased to have its first female fire chief but more importantly is happy to have found the right fire chief for the department and organization.
“Karen’s past work in the role of deputy chief really stood out and her firm but fair approach to problem solving has earned her the respect of her colleagues and crews,” said Samra. “She has consistently demonstrated an ability to think critically, to take a high-level approach when resolving operational issues and to get things done. We are delighted she has accepted this important leadership role.”
