Northside Volunteer Fire Department Announces Retirement of Chief Jim Brown, Captain Yves Perreault appointed as New NVFD Fire Chief
qathet, BC – The Northside Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD) bids farewell to Fire Chief Jim Brown who announced his retirement after a volunteer career spanning 28 years, with 18 of those as NVFD’s Fire Chief.
Chief Brown’s leadership has seen the implementation of compliant firefighter training ensuring the Northside volunteers are adequately trained for the services they provide, including the first successful Superior Tanker Shuttle Service (STSS) accreditation in our region. The resulting benefits of STSS accreditation provide property owners with insurance grading equivalent to hydrant serviced areas.
Following the direction in the 2012 Fire Services Review, Chief Brown oversaw the overhaul of Northside’s fleet of fire apparatus. To ensure cost effectiveness, Chief Brown twice travelled to Arizona to purchase used industrial water tenders and personally drove them to Lund and oversaw their refurbishment.
Chief Brown worked with qRD staff to build the live fire training facility adjacent to the NVFD #2 fire hall, which was completed in 2022. The facility has been made available to all fire departments in the qathet region so that firefighters from qathet do not need to leave the region to do their live fire training. The NVFD was recently awarded a safety innovation award for their live fire training facility mobile igniter by the British Columbia Municipal Safety Association.
“Fire Chief Jim Brown has showcased the incredible, and equally powerful impact that volunteers can have in our community,” stated Electoral Area A Director, Jason Lennox. “Chief Brown’s commitment and dedication to his role, to the NVFD, and in support of his team of volunteer fire fighters and first responders has been nothing short of exceptional. Your community is proud, and we are grateful for your leadership and the efforts of the entire NVFD crew over these many years.”
“The qathet Regional District is deeply moved by Chief Brown’s efforts to modernize the Northside Volunteer Fire Department, and his collaboration in advancing fire protection services throughout the region,” said qathet Regional District Board Chair, Clay Brander. “Our small and remote community has been made more resilient thanks to Chief Brown’s continuous efforts and perseverance. We wish Jim Brown the best of luck in his future endeavours, as well as a well-deserved rest. We are also pleased to welcome incoming Chief Perreault.”
“The department will continue to be well-served as veteran NVFD Captain Yves Perreault has been appointed to be the next NVFD Fire Chief,” said General Manager of Emergency Services, Ryan Thoms. “Chief Perreault brings 20 years of firefighting experience to the role, as well as considerable leadership experience supporting volunteer firefighter training and leading live fire facility instruction. We wish Jim Brown all the best in his retirement, and welcome Chief Perreault to the new role and wish him every success.”
About the qathet Regional District:
The qathet Regional District serves the rural areas from Lund to sḵelhp (Saltery Bay), the City of Powell River, Texada Island, Savary Island, and Lasqueti Island. The qRD provides some services, through contract, to Tla’amin Nation. To learn more please visit qathet.ca.
CONTACT:
Ryan Thoms, General Manager of Emergency Services
#202 – 4675 Marine Avenue, Powell River, BC V8A 2L2
P: 604∙485∙2260 | E: emergency@qathet.ca