Osoyoos Fire Rescue announces Everett Cooke as new fire chief

Osoyoos Fire Rescue announced Everett Cooke as its new fire chief. He has more than 25 years of experience and succeeds interim leadership after Corey Kortmeyer left in August 2024.

Osoyoos Fire Rescue announced the appointment of Everett Cooke as its new fire chief. The department had been without permanent leadership since Corey Kortmeyer left in August 2024. Deputy Fire Chiefs Rob Huttema and Ryan McCaskill led the team in the interim. OFR said Cooke brings more than 25 years of experience directing emergency and protective services in northern Alberta. Key details: - Everett Cooke was announced as the new fire chief by Osoyoos Fire Rescue and the Town of Osoyoos. - He has more than 25 years of experience leading emergency and protective services in northern Alberta. - Qualifications include a certificate in Emergency Management from the Justice Institute of BC and certificates in Municipal Management and Leadership from the University of Alberta. - Chief Cooke has family in the Osoyoos area, has been a frequent visitor, and enjoys umpiring baseball and spending time with his wife and children. - Deputy Fire Chiefs Rob Huttema and Ryan McCaskill led the department on an interim basis after Corey Kortmeyer’s departure in August 2024. Summary: The hire restores permanent leadership for Osoyoos Fire Rescue after a period of interim management led by deputy chiefs. The Town of Osoyoos said it looks forward to Chief Cooke’s leadership to continue providing service to the community. The announcement did not specify a start date or other details; those remain undetermined.