What was a way to get to know her community changed the life of Turner Valley’s new fire chief.
Two decades ago, Deanna Hintze moved to Turner Valley from Calgary, looking for a small town and some new friends. With a zoology degree and a job working in outdoor recreation, Hintze decided to try something completely different and become a volunteer firefighter.
“It was a brand-new community,” she said. “I needed to get to know people somehow and see if I can become a part of this community, especially a small town that's one of the reasons I moved out here. So, I thought that was a good way to be able to get back and get to know people and get involved.”
It was a move that changed the direction of her career and life.
“I got here, joined the fire department ended up getting my, what's called a PCP Primary Care Paramedic, working on the ambulance for 10 years, and then just found that I love this stuff,” she said.
As Hintze also continued at the fire hall, she was moved up to the lieutenant position and then became the deputy chief 14 years ago and will now lead the 17-member fire department.
She takes over as fire chief from Glenn Baxter, a 15-year veteran firefighter in Turner Valley, who was recently hired as a fire marshal for the City of Calgary.
Hintze said she will continue to focus on training and a “good, solid, trained professional department.”
The proposed amalgamation between Turner Valley and Black Diamond could mean changes for the town’s two fire departments, she said.
“That's going to either change things or allow us to really improve on how we serve our community,” said Hintze.
The Turner Valley fire department responds to all types of emergency calls including structural and wildfires, motor vehicle collisions, medical calls and about once a year – a cat in a tree.
“We are not experts in everything, but we have basic training at most things and, so, you know, like most volunteer fire departments we respond to the calls that we get,” Hintze said.
The Turner Valley fire department has an agreement with Foothills County for coverage from Plummers Road to just west of Hartell and into Kananaskis.
As far as taking the top spot, Hintze said it is an honour.
“I’m fortunate to be able to continue with an amazing team of very dedicated men and women,” she said.
