Monday September 11, 2023 | SOOKE, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends | SOOKE NEWS SECTION
A new position of Emergency Program Manager has been launched at the District of Sooke to “evolve with the needs of a growing community”.
The District is welcoming Jason Humphries to the position starting September 18.
“Safety is first and foremost, and with that emergency planning to best support Sooke be prepared and in the event of an emergency such as a wildfire is critical,” said Mayor Maja Tait in a news release.
The role of Emergency Program Manager was previously shared with the positions of Deputy Chief or Chief of Sooke Fire Rescue.
“Dedicating a position to this area is a progression of District operations and our community’s needs,” Tait says.
The Emergency Program Manager will plan, implement and maintain the District’s Emergency Management Program, including short and long-range emergency planning and coordination of various initiatives to best support Sooke in addressing small and larger-scale events.
“As Sooke Fire Rescue restructures and implements the Fire Master Plan this new role will ensure the District of Sooke is ready and able to respond to all emergencies,” explains Chief Ted Ruiter. “Jason’s exceptionally versatile skill set and familiarity with the community and region is a tremendous asset for Sooke,” Ruiter adds.
Jason holds a Master’s Degree in Emergency Management from Royal Roads University and brings 18 years of strong administrative and operations leadership to his new role. Over his career, he has served with CFB Esquimalt Fire Department as a Fire Prevention Officer, Deputy Fire Chief with the East Sooke Volunteer Fire Department, and Assistant Fire Chief with the Metchosin Fire Department.