The Terrace fire department has a new deputy chief.
Joel Brousson replaces Dave Jephson who is winding up a 30-year career with the department.
Brousson has been acting deputy chief since Oct. 2 and formally assumed the position Oct. 26.
He comes to the Terrace fire department from a job at Kitsumkalum where he was hired in 2021 to be responsible for maintaining its emergency response program and training emergency responders.
Brousson’s first firefighting job came in 2023 when he was hired in Lacombe, Alberta.
A release from the City of Terrace indicates Brousson joined a junior firefighting program in 2010 in the interior of B.C. He has a degree in psychology with a specialty in crisis management as well as paramedic training.
Brousson said he has wanted to be a firefighter since he was eight years old.
“Seeing two of my uncles working for the police force and ambulance service instilled early in me a desire to serve the public. Bringing stability to someone’s worst day and ensuring safety and best practice within emergency response motivates me daily,” he said.
Terrace fire chief Chad Cooper welcomed Brousson, saying he was looking forward to his leadership.
“In his new capacity, deputy fire chief Brousson will play a pivotal role in overseeing Terrace Fire’s operational readiness, fire training program, and emergency response strategies,” said Cooper.
Cooper also acknowledged the contributions of out-going deputy chief Dave Jephson.
“Serving the department for 30 years, Dave’s steadfast commitment to our community has been guided by a deep focus on public safety and community service,” said Cooper.
Terrace mayor Sean Bujtas also welcomed Brousson and also thanked Jephson.