By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
The Town of Oliver has announced the hiring of Ash Regner as Fire Chief for the Oliver and District Fire Department effective December 19, 2024, marking a historical departure from the part-time nature of the job up until now.
Regner takes over from current Fire Chief Bob Graham who announced his plans for retirement nearly a year ago. Graham has been a firefighter for 26 years, 23 of which were in Oliver after spending three years in Surrey.
Graham is pleased with the internal hiring choice noting that aside from being fully capable in the position Regner also has the benefit of knowing the internal procedures and the all-important culture of the department.
The town said Regner has provided over 15 years of emergency response service with the Oliver and District Fire Department, having served as a Firefighter from 2014-2019, Captain from 2019-2023, and currently is the Deputy Fire Chief responsible for Operations.
“Council is pleased to appoint Ash Regner as Fire Chief,” Mayor Martin Johansen said. “Mr. Regner’s skills and extensive experience have significantly benefited the Oliver and District Fire Department and will continue to enhance the delivery of fire protection services in our community.”
As Fire Chief Regner will lead a department of 34 paid on call members. He will be responsible for the management and administration of the Fire Department, fire suppression, fire prevention operations and programs, and related emergency services.
“It is an honour to accept the position as Fire Chief for the Town of Oliver,” Regner said.
“I look forward to leading and supporting an amazing group of Paid on Call professionals as we strive to provide the residents of Oliver, the Oliver Rural Fire Protection District as well as the Osoyoos Indian Band with the high level of service and care that they have come to expect and deserve.”
Graham said the changing nature of the job has become such that a part time Fire Chief is no longer sustainable, and said he emphasized the clear need for a full time position with Wayne Anderson, Oliver’s Chief Administrative Officer prior to the start of the candidate search.
The process saw candidates interviewed from across the country Graham said, adding the process has been ongoing in earnest over the last few months. At the end of the day Graham said the choice of Regner was without a doubt the best for the department and the community.
