Relying on exceptional knowledge and experience from within its ranks, the City of Lethbridge is pleased to announce that Deputy Chief Greg Adair has been selected as the new Chief of Fire and Emergency Services.
"I am extremely honoured and excited to be taking on the role of Fire Chief for the City of Lethbridge," says Chief Adair. "I am humbled to lead the men and women of Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services who work tirelessly to keep the community safe. I accept the responsibilities that come with this new job and am looking forward to leading our department into the future."
New Chief Adair has been with Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services since June 2017. He moved to Lethbridge following a 20-year paramedic/firefighter career with Red Deer Emergency Services, which included eight years as Deputy Chief. He also has advanced care paramedic experience, 10 years of wildland firefighting with Alberta Sustainable Resource Development (SRD) – and he was the City of Lethbridge's Interim Director of Community Services from June 2020 to March 2021.
As Chief, Adair will be addressing several projects including: securing a long-term ambulance contract with Alberta Health Services, continuing to advocate for EMS dispatch services to be provided by the local Public Safety Communications Centre (PSCC), ensuring the mental and physical health of the employees is a top priority, providing the required resources to ensure professional service levels can be maintained, and providing the strategic direction for the long-term success of the department.
"Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services provide a high level of service to the community and the position of Fire Chief is a crucial role that requires strong leadership skills," says Mike Fox, Director of Community Services for the City of Lethbridge. "Greg has the proven experience to lead this department and we are excited for him to step into this position."
"On behalf of Lethbridge City Council, I want to congratulate Greg on his appointment," says Mayor Blaine Hyggen. "We have great confidence in him to lead Lethbridge Fire and Emergency Services."
Chief Adair will start in his new role on January 12, which will allow for a transition period with retiring Fire Chief Marc Rathwell whose final day will be February 11.
