Esquimalt is getting its second fire chief in two years as the township announced Matt Furlot would be succeeding Steve Serbic starting on Dec. 4.
Serbic was appointed in November 2021, but according to his Instagram account is an operations chief with the Victoria department.
Furlot has been with West Vancouver Fire Rescue since 2003 and is currently the assistant chief of professional development and training. He will bring a broad base of experience and knowledge to the role.
“Esquimalt residents are very proud of their fire department and the service they provide to the community,” said Esquimalt chief administrative officer Dan Horan. “It says a lot about the community and the fire department that we can attract such excellent candidates for the fire chief role here. We look forward to supporting Matt as he joins us and helps build on the team’s successes.”
Furlot’s education includes Fire Officer Level IV through the Justice Institute of BC and the Executive Chief Fire Officer designation from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs. Furlot also holds many instructor certificates and was a previous training instructor in wildland firefighting and urban interface structural protection. Furlot sits on national committees in firefighter leadership and mental health, including chair of the Greater Vancouver Fire Chief’s Association BCCSA Technical High Angle Rope Rescue Program (THARRP).
Outside of the fire service, Furlot is a professor at UBC for the Master of Physical Therapy Program and was the founder and CEO of a health-care business. He was also the medical manager at VANOC during the Vancouver 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics.
“I want to thank the Township of Esquimalt, mayor, council, and the firefighters for the honour and privilege to lead the talented team of Esquimalt Fire and Rescue Services,” Furlot said. “I am deeply excited to commence my journey within the community and its neighbouring areas, as we work together to make a lasting positive impact for our community.”
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