Calgary, AB,
12
December
2014
|
13:28
America/Denver

The City of Calgary Fire Chief Appointment

Steve Dongworth has been appointed the new fire chief for The City of Calgary, effective Jan.1, 2015.

A long-standing member of the Calgary Fire Department, Dongworth brings a wealth of skill and experience to this role, having worked in municipal fire and emergency services for more than 35 years. He has held a variety of roles since joining the Calgary Fire Department in 1992, most recently as deputy chief of Community Standards, Recruitment and Training. Between 2009 and 2014, Dongworth completed two separate terms as commander of The City’s Public Safety Communications (9-1-1) Centre, spanning a total time period of over three years in this role.

Throughout his career, Dongworth has worked with various government and other organizations on issues that impact the Fire Department and has built and fostered relationships that bridge the Calgary Fire Department to other City departments and the community.

“I’m pleased Mr. Dongworth will be leading the Calgary Fire Department as our new fire chief,” said Mayor Naheed Nenshi. “He has a track record of collaborative leadership and community partnership that will serve Calgarians well.”

Dongworth’s appointment was approved by Council following a North America-wide search.

“The extensive search demonstrated both the high quality of our Calgary Fire Department, and the calibre of individuals who serve our community and citizens,” said Stuart Dalgleish, general manager of Community Services & Protective Services. “Steve is passionate about the Calgary Fire Department and its future, and I look forward to working with Steve in his role as fire chief.”

Dongworth began his career as a firefighter in the United Kingdom in 1976, reaching the rank of station commander. In late 1991, he immigrated to Canada with his family and joined the Calgary Fire Department the following January. In 2000, Dongworth was promoted to deputy chief, and has served in a variety of commands in this capacity. He holds a Masters Certificate in Municipal Leadership from the Schulich School of Business at York University, a Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, and certificates in general management, strategic management, as well as occupational health and safety.

A dedicated professional, Dongworth has been an advisory board member, trainer and peer member of Calgary’s Critical Incident Stress Management team for more than 16 years and has been awarded The City of Calgary Protective Services Medal, Alberta Emergency Services Medal, Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, Slave Lake Medal and the Fire Services Exemplary Services Medal. He is also a member of the Calgary Fire Department’s Honour Guard.

Interim Fire Chief Ken Uzeloc will continue to lead the Calgary Fire Department until Dec. 31, 2014.

"Chief Uzeloc has done an outstanding job as our interim fire chief during the latter half of 2014. He capably led the Calgary Fire Department and the many safety services provided to our communities and citizens, including through Calgary’s two recent emergency events – the September snowstorm and the October power outage" added Dalgleish.

Please visit calgary.ca/fire to learn more about Steve Dongworth and the Calgary Fire Department.


MEDIA AVAILABILITY:

Stuart Dalgleish and Steve Dongworth will be available to meet with the media:

Monday, Dec. 15, 2014

9:45 a.m. (at the conclusion of the formal introduction of fire chief during Council’s regular meeting)

Municipal Building Atrium, outside Council Chambers