Regional Fire Chief Statement - 50th Anniversary of Fort McMurray Fire Department

As the Fort McMurray Fire Department celebrates this noteworthy anniversary, it is my honour to offer a few words to acknowledge the dedicated and brave people who built and shaped the department’s history.

1974 was a foundational year for the FMFD with the positions of Fire Chief (Roy Hawkins) and Deputy Fire Chief (Archie Goodwin) elevated to full-time and with the hiring of Joe Gautier, the first full-time paid firefighter that July. Before then, volunteers filled most firefighting functions.

The FMFD has since played a pivotal role in the community and the department’s storied history is an immense source of pride for me, as well as for past and current department members.

Today, the department operates as a modern integrated service, providing firefighting and rescue capabilities as well as emergency medical services.

In five decades, the FMFD has grown to more than 130 highly qualified professionals dedicated to providing first response as well as specialty technical teams (high angle, confined space and collapsed structures), water rescue, fire prevention, and dangerous goods response.

To those who have served and to those who continue to serve in the tradition of integrity, honour, courage, and respect, you have my and this community’s deepest gratitude.

Jody Butz

Regional Fire Chief / Regional Emergency Services