Sooke’s fire chief is departing after three years leading the department.
Fire Chief Ted Ruiter, who has been in the role since 2021, will leave July 19 for Canmore, Alta.
Ruiter’s 37-year career has included positions in B.C. and southern Ontario. He was instrumental in transitioning Sooke Fire Rescue to 24/7 staffing, updating the department’s master plan and improving the community’s wildfire plan, the district said in a statement.
“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,” said Mayor Maja Tait in a statement.
Deputy Fire Chief Wayne Kennedy, who joined Sooke Fire Rescue in 2023, will step into the top role effective July 20. He has over 27 years of experience, beginning his career in 1997 in North Vancouver, where be came deputy fire chief of operations in 2013.
The district is recruiting to fill the deputy chief position.
