Prince George now has a new fire chief as long-time Prince George firefighter and former deputy fire chief, Cliff Warner has officially started the position.
City Manager Walter Babicz and Mayor Lyn Hall helped to officially mark Warner’s appointment today (Jan. 31) at Firehall No. 1 on Massey Drive.
Chief Warner is now the city’s 11th fire chief since the position was made full time in the early 1950s.
His appointment comes after Fire Chief John Iverson officially retired on Friday, Jan. 21 after 35 years of service, including eight as chief. Warner was selected to replace Iverson as the new fire chief of Prince George Fire Rescue Services last November.
Chief Warner has 26 years of service in Prince George’s fire department including service in every senior management position. Warner has overseen many high-profile initiatives, including the upcoming move of the city’s Fire Operations Communications Centre to Fire Hall No. 1.
“Chief Warner has an impressive record of service, including leading Fire Rescue through the wildfire evacuations in 2017 and 2018, the Covid-19 pandemic, and the transition to the new Fire Hall #1,” said Mayor Hall in a news release.
“Council congratulates Chief Warner and our two new deputy fire chiefs on their accomplishments and for their years of service to our community.”
A hiring committee also selected two new deputy fire chiefs.
Clayton Sheen, previously the city’s manager of emergency programs, has been appointed as the City’s new deputy chief – administration/prevention.
After a decade of service as a wildland firefighter with BC Wildfire Service, Deputy Chief Sheen joined PG Fire Rescue in 2007, where he immediately responded to the ice jam event in 07/08. Sheen was instrumental in both the 2017 and 2018 wildfire evacuee events, and led the City’s 2020 and 2021 freshet responses, and 2021 wildfire evacuee event.
Captain Bryan Burleigh has been also selected as the new deputy chief of operations and training.
Deputy Chief Burleigh served most recently as the training branch captain, and has been a qualified assistant chief for the past three years. Burleigh has served with PGFRS for nearly 20 years and is a qualified level 4 fire officer.
Prince George Fire Rescue Services includes over 130 full-time staff including firefighters, clerical, and dispatch services.
