Nelson’s fire chief Len MacCharles will retire in May, ending a 41-year career in emergency services.
The city announced Friday that MacCharles would step down after becoming chief in 2014.
“I want to thank Chief MacCharles for his work during his time with the City of Nelson,” said Mayor John Dooley in a statement.
“He elevated our emergency management services to a new level through several initiatives, including the creation of an Emergency Operations Centre, a new Emergency Alert app, and enhancing our FireSmart programs, just to name a few.”
MacCharles joined the Calgary Fire Department in 1981 and was promoted to Deputy Chief in Calgary in 2004. His time in Alberta included serving as incident commander during the Slave Lake wildfire in 2011 as well as deputy chief of emergency management during the 2013 Calgary floods.
In Nelson, MacCharles was also tasked with developing the city’s Emergency Management Plan.
He said it has been an honour to serve in Nelson.
“I have great respect for the work done by city council and city staff and have been proud to be part of a team where everyone wants the best for Nelson, and they all work hard to deliver it,” MacCharles said in a statement.
“Most importantly, it has been a privilege to work with such a fantastic group of professional firefighters and staff at Nelson Fire and Rescue Services. I will always cherish my time here. Thank you all!”
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