County Names Ken McMullen as New Fire Chief

Rocky View County, Alberta – Following an exhaustive Canada-wide search, the County has appointed Ken McMullen as its new Fire Chief. A 34-year industry veteran with a distinguished career in Emergency Services, Mr. McMullen will assume a key position on January 11, 2011, which was left vacant by departing Chief Wayne Brown in September.

"Chief McMullen brings a wealth of leadership acumen and a breadth of front-line experience to Rocky View’s Fire Services,” said Ted Gard, Director of Emergency Services. “He will lead our team in further enhancing the essential role of this department, and will be fundamental in helping to plan and manage our rapid growth in the months and years to come.”

"I’m honored and excited to begin working with such an outstanding team,” said McMullen. "The prospect of serving a county as large, diverse and beautiful as Rocky View is gratifying to say the least.”

Since September of this year, Deputy Fire Chief Steve Bagley has held the role of Acting Fire Chief. “I cannot commend Deputy Chief Bagley highly enough for his leadership and resourcefulness during this challenging transitional period,” added Director Gard. “His hard work has resulted in seamless operations and unbroken communications across all of our divisions.” In 2011 Bagley will continue his collaborative role with Chief McMullen, focusing on the strategic growth of the County’s Fire Services.

McMullen began his career as a Firefighter in 1976 with the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Services, eventually being promoted to the position of Acting Deputy Director in 2001. For the last four years he was Fire Chief for Tecumseh Fire Rescue Services. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Manitoba and is nearing completion of his Master of Public Administration designation.

"Chief McMullen joins our team during an exciting – yet challenging – period of growth within Rocky View,” commented Reeve Rolly Ashdown. “I am confident that under his leadership our Fire Services will continue to develop creative approaches to meet the growing needs of our County and its residents.”