Okotoks’ new fire chief has come full circle geographically since first coming to Canada from Britain three decades ago.
“When I first came to Canada (as a visitor) 30 years ago, I had relatives in Canada and one of them just lived outside of Okotoks,” said Trevor Brice, who had his first day on the job as Okotoks chief on Aug 4. “I fell in love with the place and when they opportunity came up, I thought it's just a beautiful place, it's close to the mountains...
“It is like I am almost going full cycle.”
Full cycle, but he’s come to Okotoks with plenty of experience to add on to his years as a firefighter in England and Saskatchewan.
He had a busy first two days. He observed the fire department's work in rescuing two children from the Sheep River on Aug. 4. The next day, he watched the crews efforts in battling a grassfire east of town.
Brice left his native United Kingdom in 2010 to take a position in Regina. Previously to taking the position in Okotoks, he was the director of protective services as well as fire chief in North Battleford, Sask. He was there for four years.
He stepped down from his position in North Battleford in September 2019.
“This is a great opportunity to come and work with the staff and continue the good work that has been done here before,” he said. “A great fire department and place to live.”
He said his experience in the United Kingdom, Regina and North Battleford provided him with experience with rural issues and working with other departments.
Brice chuckled when asked if becoming a firefighter was a dream of his while growing up.
“I have been a firefighter for more than 40 years, so it was a dream a long time ago,” he said with a laugh.
One thing he never dreamed of as a child was starting a new position across the pond in the midst of a worldwide pandemic.
“The biggest challenge at the moment is the current COVID-19 issue which is causing issues for all businesses,” Brice said. “In terms of the fire department, we have to make sure our firefighters are safe.”
He said the community can help with the COVID-19 situation.
“My thought process is we can all do something to help everybody and ourselves,” Brice said. “Such as washing your hands and wearing a face mask. I know that is controversial, but it doesn’t have to be mandatory people can volunteer to wear a face mask and help prevent the spread.”
He said the fire department has established impressive COVID-19 protocols.
Brice added continuing to monitor the mental health of the men and women in the department is key.
“It’s about making sure that everybody is feeling well and looked after while we are looking after everyone else,” Brice said.
Brice replaces former fire chief Ken Thevenot, who retired in January.
Deputy fire chief Pat MacIsaac was the acting fire chief in Thevenot’s absence.
