The City of Victoria has a new fire chief.
Paul Bruce becomes the 33rd fire chief of the Victoria Fire Department and replaces Jeff Lambert, who had been on extended medical leave since last summer.
Bruce called the appointment “somewhat bittersweet” with Lambert’s ongoing health concerns, but said he’s proud to lead the 123-person department.
“I do enjoy the job and the department is second to none,” he said.
“It’s an exciting time to be here.”
Bruce has been with the department since 1993 and progressively worked his way up the ranks, most recently holding the position of deputy fire chief.
“Often, you’ll see people coming in from the outside at the upper level, so it’s good we’re promoting from within and developing our own people,” he said.
Bruce has lived in Victoria since 1978, and previously served as a marine engineer with the Canadian Navy.