Acting boss Layne Jackson awarded post full time
After a nationwide search, Regina’s own Layne Jackson has been named the new chief of Regina Fire & Protective Services.
Jackson has worked in fire services for 20 years, spending the last six months as acting chief and eight years as deputy chief.
“As a young person I couldn’t have ever imagined having this career opportunity,” said Jackson at an announcement in city hall on Tuesday. “I’m honoured to accept this responsibility.”
With more than 60 technical and professional designations, including the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal, Jackson was singled out for his experience working in a variety of positions within the department and for his leadership abilities.
“Layne has demonstrated time and again his excellence in leadership, investigation, risk analysis and emergency management, and was central to Regina’s receiving its international accreditation,” said Chris Holden, Regina city manager.
Regina is one of only seven Canadian cities that hold that standing. It means the city has succeeded in meeting industry standards and making continuous improvements to services.
According to Holden, the city hired an executive search firm, which identified 18 potential candidates for the position — two of whom were from Regina. Of those 18 candidates, five were interviewed. Jackson was chosen after the candidates were narrowed down to three.
Jackson said his familiarity with the department will help him in his new position.
“Having the experience of serving in different capacities throughout the years and understanding the total programs from training, to inspections, investigations to fire operations, emergency management, bylaw enforcement, it adds a lot of having that experience and that working knowledge,” he said.
Holden said the position requires not only highly technical qualifications, but also someone who has management experience and competence.
“I think it’s a strong sign to the department that we had very capable leadership within the department and I think that he has the respect of the firefighters, he has the respect of the association … and he has the respect of other agencies in the community,” said Holden.
Jackson said now that the position is permanent, he has a chance to make it his own. While it will take time to establish what he would like his vision for the department to be, he emphasized two main priorities — those who work in fire services and the communities they serve.
After the accreditation was received over the summer, Jackson said the department did receive some recommendations for improvements — including one regarding training — which it is assessing now in order to prioritize some initiatives for the future.
According to Jackson, none of the recommendations were very serious in nature, but he said the accreditation process is focused on continuous improvement.
Jackson also took a moment when speaking with reporters to commend the work of those who responded to the large fire that broke out on in an industrial area north of Regina around 4 p.m. Monday afternoon. “Our firefighters did a phenomenal job once again in quickly containing that fire, and risking a lot to save a lot in that area,” said Jackson.