Monday February 23, 2026 | METCHOSIN, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The rural District of Metchosin announces Dan Verdun, Executive Chief Fire Officer (ECFO) as their new Fire Chief.
Verdun will start in his new role on March 2, 2026.
This comes after the recent departure of long-time Metchosin Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop as she moves on to a career advancement.
Verdun began his career in the fire service in 1995 on Vancouver Island with Union Bay Fire Rescue.
Starting as a volunteer firefighter, he progressed through the operational and leadership ranks, ultimately serving as Fire Chief.
In 2010, he joined the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service, where he played a key role in supporting the creation of a regional fire service model and was instrumental in developing and managing a live fire training facility that strengthened regional operational readiness and collaboration. He later returned to Vancouver Island to serve as Fire Chief for the City of Campbell River Fire Department.
With more than 30 years of municipal fire and emergency services experience — including over 20 years in senior leadership — Chief Verdun has led career, composite, and volunteer departments through increasing service demands, and evolving risk environments.
Serving a rural seaside area:
The District outlines his experience includes emergency operations, Emergency Operations Centre (EOC) leadership, labour relations, organizational development, and long-range strategic planning.
The District of Metchosin is primarily rural including ocean coastline, forests and protected natural areas. The primary economic activity is agriculture as well as outdoor recreational activities.
Metchosin includes the remote campus of Pearson College, as well as the Sooke School District 62 elementary school (Hans Helgesen), which will soon have a standalone child care centre next door.
The fire hall is next door to District of Metchosin municipal hall.
Access to Metchosin by land is by way of BC Provincial Highway 14 and by way of Metchosin Road incoming from Colwood, where Metchosin borders on new industrial, commercial and residential development.
Supporting fire department and community:
Chief Verdun is certified as an Executive Chief Fire Officer (ECFO) through the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and holds numerous professional credentials, including Certificate in Municipal Leadership (CMML), Fire Officer, Fire Prevention and Emergency Manager designations, along with extensive accredited firefighting qualifications. His background in prevention, investigation, and instruction further strengthens his ability to support both Fire Department members and the community.
Chief Verdun is quoted by the District of Metchosin as looking forward to working with Council, staff, and the community to support public safety and strengthen emergency preparedness across the District.
===== RELATED:
- Metchosin Fire Chief Stephanie Dunlop takes new job in Central Saanich (January 17, 2026)
- Rats, mold & cinder blocks – Metchosin needs a new fire hall (November 13, 2025)
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