Eric Cole (Photo: City of Lacombe)

By rdnewsNOW staff

new man on the job

Lacombe appoints new fire chief

Apr 9, 2020 | 11:45 AM

The Lacombe Fire Department has a new chief.

Eric Cole was appointed to the role by the City of Lacombe, effective April 1.

City officials say Cole has an extensive background in both the administrative and operational components of emergency response, both in the public and private sectors.

“The experience that Chief Cole brings to the City of Lacombe is extensive, in both industry and as a career firefighter,” said Director of Corporate Services Diane Piche. “We look forward to working with Chief Cole, and are excited to see him build on the contributions provided by past and present members of the Lacombe Fire Department.”

Cole started in fire and emergency services in 1993 in Gander, Newfoundland and was there when 38 planes from all over the world were diverted to the Gander International Airport on September 11, 2001, strengthening his experience and knowledge in the area of crisis management.

gathering this monday at fort normandeau

'What have you done?' Elder asks ahead of Red Deer uniting to remember the children on Sept. 30

Sep 28, 2024

Temps Around 0 degrees Celsius

Frost Advisory issued for Red Deer and surrounding area

Sep 27, 2024

Conditions As Of Sept. 24, 2024

Alberta Crop Report: September 27

Sep 27, 2024

During his tenure with Gander Fire Rescue, Dennis attained the rank of a Lieutenant Officer and maintained a full-time position in the composite fire department for several years before relocating to Alberta.

In 2006, he made home in Lloydminster and continued his employment in fire services as a Deputy Fire Chief for the City of Lloydminster. In 2016, he relocated to Fort Saskatchewan and took on the role of Deputy Chief of Operations with an industrial facility located in the city, and became a member of the City of Fort Saskatchewan Fire Department.

Cole has participated in planning and execution of large-scale training exercises for the Town of Gander, Transport Canada, CFB 9-Wing Gander, and Gander International Airport Authority. He has contributed to the creation of the Emergency Preparedness Department at the City of Lloydminster, undergone extensive training in emergency operation centers, disaster social services, disaster planning, media relations, and currently holds certifications in Incident Command Systems.

“After being in the fire service for over twenty years now, my mandate is member protection and community service,” said Cole. “I look forward to living with and serving the citizens of Lacombe and area, and helping propel the Lacombe Fire Department to a leading-edge service to ensure the entire community is well protected for years to come.”

The City also wishes to thank Acting Fire Chief Eric Graham, who led the fire department for the past 10 months, for his exemplary service to the community.

Cole will be responsible for the Lacombe Fire Department, which operates within the Lacombe Fire District, which encompasses the city and a significant portion of central Lacombe County. The City of Lacombe and the Lacombe County are equal partners in this initiative.