Esquimalt’s new fire chief is coming from West Vancouver Fire Rescue.
Matt Furlot’s appointment was announced Thursday, and is effective Dec. 4.
He will replace Steve Serbic, who has moved to the Victoria Fire Department to become deputy chief of operations.
Furlot has been with the West Vancouver department, where he currently serves as assistant chief of professional development and training, since 2003.
“I want to thank the Township of Esquimalt, mayor, council, and the firefighters for the honour and privilege to lead the talented team of Esquimalt Fire and Rescue Services,” Furlot said in a statement. “I am deeply excited to commence my journey within the community and its neighbouring areas, as we work together to make a lasting positive impact for our community.”
Dan Horan, Esquimalt’s chief administrative officer, said it “says a lot about the community and the fire department that we can attract such excellent candidates for the fire chief role here.”
“We look forward to supporting Matt as he joins us and helps build on the team’s successes.”
The municipality said Furlot is known as a leader who promotes a positive workplace culture.
He has also been recognized for his work with neighbouring departments.
Furlot has an executive chief fire officer designation from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and experience as a training instructor in wildland firefighting and urban-interface structural protection.
He sits on national committees related to firefighter leadership and mental health, and is chair of the Greater Vancouver Fire Chiefs Association high-angle rope rescue program.
Beyond his work in the fire service, he is a professor in the University of B.C.’s physical-therapy program and founded a health-care business.
Serbic had led the Esquimalt department since November 2021 after three and a half years as assistant chief.
