Metchosin welcomes veteran firefighter Dan Verdun as new fire chief

The District of Metchosin has appointed Dan Verdun as its new fire chief; he brings more than 30 years of municipal fire and emergency services experience and is expected to start on March 2.

The District of Metchosin has appointed Dan Verdun as its new fire chief following the departure of former chief Stephanie Dunlop, who accepted a position with the Central Saanich Fire Department earlier this year. Verdun has worked in municipal fire and emergency services for more than three decades and returns to the Island after recent leadership roles elsewhere. His background includes operational, training and leadership work across volunteer, composite and career departments. He is expected to begin his duties on March 2. Key details: - Dan Verdun was appointed to lead the Metchosin Fire Department after Stephanie Dunlop left for Central Saanich. - He has more than 30 years of municipal fire and emergency services experience. - Verdun began as a volunteer with Union Bay Fire Rescue in 1995 and rose through operational and leadership ranks there. - In 2010 he joined the County of Grande Prairie Regional Fire Service, helped develop a regional service model and a live fire training facility, and served as deputy chief of training and rural operations before becoming fire chief. - He returned to Vancouver Island in 2022 to serve as fire chief for the City of Campbell River. - Verdun holds multiple professional credentials, including an Executive Chief Fire Officer designation from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and certificates in municipal leadership, fire prevention, and emergency management. Summary: Verdun's appointment adds extensive operational and training experience to the district's fire leadership. He is scheduled to start on March 2 and is reported to look forward to working with council, staff and the community to support public safety and strengthen emergency preparedness across the district.