After an extensive search, the City of Port Coquitlam has hired their new Fire Chief from within its own ranks.

Robert Kipps, the City’s current Deputy Fire Chief of Operations, will start as the new Fire Chief on September 13.

Kipps brings 28 years of fire service experience starting his career as a firefighter and gradually progressing into senior management positions with the City of Port Coquitlam’s Fire Department. Since 2014, he has been the Deputy Fire Chief overseeing the operations of the Suppression Division and taking a lead role with the department’s strategic planning, finances and labour relations.

“We are excited to welcome Chief Kipps to the City of Port Coquitlam,” said Mayor Brad West. “It’s always great when we can promote someone from within our organization as a key focus for the city is investing in our employees through professional development and succession planning programs. Robert has been a valuable asset to the City and I look forward to continuing to provide the highest standard of response to our residents.”

Chief Kipps will be a key member of the City’s senior management team. He will oversee the Fire and Emergency Services Department, which consists of 82 members and protects the community from fires, medical emergencies and exposure to dangerous conditions or disasters.

“I am truly honoured to serve as the Fire Chief for the City of Port Coquitlam and excited for the opportunity to lead our great team, said Kipps. “Our Fire Department has a long history of dedicated and professional service to the community and I look forward to building on this foundation of excellence and commitment to the community I am a part of in the years to come”.

Chief Kipps has a Masters in Leadership from Royal Roads University and is a graduate of the Fire Executive Management Program. He is a resident of Port Coquitlam and volunteers with various community programs and regional committees.

Kipps is replacing the retiring Fire Chief Nick Delmonico whose official walk out ceremony will take place on September 13.

“I would like to thank Chief Delmonico for his dedication and the outstanding service he has provided our community over the past eight years,” added West. “He has played a leadership role not just in our community but the region. I wish him the best as he begins this exciting new chapter.”

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MEDIA CONTACTS

Pardeep Purewal
Manager of Communications & Admin Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5335 Cel 604.218.0533
Email purewalp@portcoquitlam.ca