Saturday July 13, 2024 | SOOKE, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
The Sooke Fire Department is seeking a new deputy fire chief, now that Fire Chief Ted Ruiter is departing. He is heading for Canmore Alberta on July 19.
Wayne Kennedy — who has been with the Sooke Fire Department for 15 months — will move up from Deputy Fire Chief to the top job effective July 20, 2024.
Ruiter’s contribution has been transitional:
Ted Ruiter has led Sooke Fire Rescue since 2021, after serving as Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services in Fernie for eight years.
According to a District of Sooke news release on July 12, Ruiter with a distinguished 37-year career spanning positions in B.C. and southern Ontario has been instrumental in transitioning Sooke Fire Rescue to 24/7 staffing, updating the Fire Rescue Services Master Plan, and advancing the Community Wildfire Resiliency Plan.
His tenure also saw the implementation of vital FireSmart initiatives, enhancing the safety and resilience of our community.
Sooke Mayor Maja Tait expressed her gratitude for Chief Ruiter’s contributions: “Chief Ruiter has been a transformative leader for Sooke Fire Rescue. His dedication and vision have fortified our emergency services and improved our community’s safety. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Chief Administrative Officer Raechel Gray added, “Chief Ruiter’s impact on our community is profound. His efforts in advancing our fire services and resilience planning have set a strong foundation for the future. We are deeply appreciative of his service.”
Kennedy in the chief’s role now:
Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Kennedy, who joined Sooke Fire Rescue in March 2023, will step into the role of Fire Chief. He brings over 27 years of experience in fire services, previously serving in North Vancouver in similar capacities.
Kennedy’s career began with the District of North Vancouver Fire and Rescue Service in February 1997, where he served as a firefighter before being promoted to Assistant Chief – Operations in 2009 and then Deputy Fire Chief – Operations in 2013.
Chief Kennedy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Human Kinetics, a Diploma in Liberal Arts & Science, a Fire Executive Management Certificate, a Fire Service Leadership Diploma, a Fire Officer Certificate, and the Chartered Manager, Executive Chief Fire Officer, and Chief Fire Officer designations.
Kenndy has numerous certifications in fire studies, reflecting his comprehensive expertise and commitment to excellence.
CAO Gray spoke about the appointment of Chief Kennedy to his new role, sharing:
“We are thrilled to welcome Wayne Kennedy as our new Fire Chief. His extensive experience, community familiarity and impressive qualifications make him the ideal candidate to lead Sooke Fire Rescue.”
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- New Deputy Fire Chief in Sooke (March 17, 2023)
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