Port Moody thanks Fire Chief Ron Coulson for his service in advance of retirement

On behalf of the City of Port Moody and the community’s residents and business owners, Mayor Rob Vagramov offers his sincere thanks and congratulations to Fire Chief Ron Coulson, who has announced he plans to retire in June 2021. 

“I’d like to personally thank Chief Coulson for his leadership, dedication, and commitment to this community,” says Mayor Vagramov. “Fire-Rescue contributes greatly to the health and safety of our city, and Chief Coulson’s contributions to Port Moody's COVID-19 response this past year could not be overstated. We wish him health and happiness as he moves on to new adventures.” 

Chief Coulson took on the role of fire chief in February 2017. Under his leadership, Port Moody Fire Rescue (PMFR) has achieved the following:

• enhanced incident operational procedures to increase effectiveness and safety;
• increased capacity and knowledge for high-rise firefighting and inter-municipal interoperability;
• became the first fire department in B.C. to transition from analogue radio communication to a “next generation” digital radio system;
• developed and implemented a hazardous materials response program;
• initiated a heavy apparatus replacement program;
• increased capacity and training for emergency management;
• increased capacity for fire prevention, community outreach, and public education;
• updated PMFR’s Community Wildfire Protection Plan with an implementation strategy;
• increased knowledge and support for the psychological wellness of staff;
• developed a robust recruitment and firefighter training program; and
• refined PMFR’s Suppression Officer Development Program. 

“It's been a privilege to serve as the fire chief for the City of Port Moody these past four-and-a-half years,” says Coulson, “and an honour to cap my career in this incredible community." 

Chief Coulson has enjoyed a distinguished 30-year career in fire and rescue services. Coulson started his career as a fire suppression member with Vancouver Fire and Rescue Services (VFRS), where he worked his way up to lieutenant, captain, and then assistant chief. Coulson has received specialized training in a variety of subjects, including fireboat operations and fire investigations. He is also a trained instructor with experience teaching Fire Officer, Emergency Medical Services, and Automobile Extrication courses. Before launching his career in fire and rescue services, Coulson was a secondary school teacher and sports coach in Port Moody. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from Simon Fraser University, and has taken Fire Officer training through VFRS and the Justice Institute of British Columbia. 

The process for selecting a new chief for Port Moody Fire Rescue is under way and Chief Coulson will assist with the recruitment and transition.