Port Coquitlam, BC - Jan. 25, 2024... The City of Port Coquitlam has hired their new Fire Chief from within its own ranks.
Blake Clarkson, the City's current Deputy Fire Chief of Administration and Support, will start as the new Fire Chief in March 2024 as Chief Kipps retires after 35 years of service.
Clarkson brings 18 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 2021, he has been the Acting Deputy Fire Chief of Administration and Support, a role that became permanent in 2023. The position oversaw the organization and management of the Fire Department's business functions and operations. The Deputy Chief provides support to the Fire Chief and leadership to the department within a portfolio of responsibilities.
"We are excited to congratulate Chief Clarkson, in his new role as Fire Chief of the City of Port Coquitlam," said Mayor Brad West. "He is a valued leader and as Fire Chief, he will play an integral role in supporting the City of Port Coquitlam and I am confident that Clarkson will continue to effectively work to keep residents and the community safe through the delivery of highest standard of response and protection services, today and in the future."
Chief Clarkson will be a key member of the City's senior management team. He will oversee the Fire and Emergency Services Department, which consists of 84 members and protects the community from fires, medical emergencies and exposure to dangerous conditions or disasters.
"I look forward to serving the community of Port Coquitlam in this new role and continuing the excellent work of the department," said Clarkson. "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 Clarkson completed a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology and a Professional Development Certificate. He is a resident of Pitt Meadows and volunteers as an assistant hockey coach.
Clarkson is replacing the retiring Fire Chief Robert Kipps whose official walk out ceremony will take place on March 14.
"I would like to thank Chief Kipps for his dedication and the outstanding service he has provided our community over the past 35 years," added West. "We are grateful for his efficient and effective service to the City. I wish him all the best as he begins this exciting new chapter."
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Media Contact
Ximena Ibacache
Manager of Communications & Administrative Services
City of Port Coquitlam
Tel 604.927.5499
Email [email protected]