News
Job Posting - Holiday Relief Firefighter
Rothesay is truly a “community of communities” and a suburban retreat for all ages. The motto “Quinque Iuncta in Uno” (Five United in One) represents the strength and unity of the Town and the five founding communities. It’s residents and visitors enjoy beautiful parks, beaches on the Kennebecasis River, wharves, hiking trails, sports fields, and many playgrounds for children.
Quispamsis is situated along the breathtaking Kennebecasis and Hammond River waterways. Quispamsis is a progressive, vibrant community with many attractive residential opportunities for all types of family units. Abundant recreational areas, quality schools, places of worship, retail and professional services are all within the Kennebecasis Valley.
The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department has served both of these communities for almost 100 years and has a fire station located in each town. This career fire department of over 40 members is looking for an individuals interested in joining our team as a Holiday Relief Firefighter Class 2. The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department will be creating a roster of qualified candidates for upcoming vacancies within the fire suppression division.
POSITION SUMMARY:
Reporting to a Company Officer, a Holiday Relief Firefighter Class 2 is an entry level position within the bargaining unit. The role of the Holiday Relief Firefighter is to be assigned to an emergency, to fill in for an absent full-time firefighter or to perform related duties.
Responsibilities include responding to routine calls and emergency fire alarms, combating, extinguishing and preventing fires and the saving of life and property. They are responsible for rapidly and efficiently performing various duties under emergency conditions that frequently involve considerable hazard. Routine work includes the inspection and maintenance of firefighting equipment and department property and facilities and such other related duties that may be assigned. Holiday Relief Firefighters are required to become members of the Kennebecasis Firefighters Union, I.A.F.F Local 3591.
The holiday relief firefighter job application is available here: 
HRFF Job Application
CLOSED Job Posting - Division Chief, Fire Prevention
CLOSED Job Posting - Division Chief, Training
Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department Introduces New Leadership Team
The Joint Board of Fire Commissioners of the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department (KVFD) is very pleased to welcome a new leadership team effective March 14th. Chief Boyle takes on the position of fire chief after holding the position of division chief with the KVFD since 2018 replacing Fire Chief Bill Ireland who retired in January of this year. In his new role, Chief Boyle will also assume the duties of the director of the emergency measures organization (EMO) for the Kennebecasis Valley.
Chief Boyle began his career as a paramedic in Saint John in 1997 joining Hampton Fire Rescue in 1998 as a volunteer firefighter. A career firefighter with the KVFD since 2005, he is a certified fire inspector, life safety educator and fire service instructor. He holds the professional designation of Executive Chief Fire Officer from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs and is a peer assessor with the Commission on Fire Accreditation International. He is also active with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs as a member of the ECFO Council and co-chair of the Fire Prevention Committee and is vice-chair of the CNIB New Brunswick Board.
Chief Boyle has recently completed the Bachelor of Integrated Studies program from the University of New Brunswick (UNB). He has completed the Certificate in Leadership Studies and Certificate in Adult Education from UNB and the Diploma in Emergency Health Services Management, Certificate in Fire Service Leadership and Certificate in Fire Service Administration from Dalhousie University. Chief Boyle is married with three children and has lived in the valley for over 20 years.
The other appointment to senior leadership in the department is Shawn White who will assume the role of deputy chief replacing Deputy Chief Dan McCoy who will retire in June of 2022. Deputy Chief White joined the department in 1998 as a volunteer firefighter and has worked his way through the ranks to become a senior firefighter, lieutenant, and most recently division chief of safety and professional development.
Deputy Chief White is a certified fire inspector, instructor, and safety officer. He has also earned his professional designation of Executive Chief Fire Officer from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs within 13 months of becoming a chief officer. Deputy Chief White is an active member with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs on both the Mental Health and Drones and Robotics committees.
Deputy Chief White has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of New Brunswick (UNB) and is currently enrolled in Harvard Business Schools Developing Yourself as a Leader program. He has certification from Ryerson University in Labour Relations, University of Toronto Mental Health at Work, Certification in Management Essentials from UNB, and has completed the Fire Service Leadership and Fire Service Administration programs from Dalhousie University. Deputy Chief White is a life long resident of the Kennebecasis Valley and is married with three children.
The Joint Board of Fire Commissioners welcomes Mike and Shawn to their new positions and would like to thank Deputy Chief Dan McCoy for acting as interim fire chief during the selection process. ‘We are excited about the potential of this new management team and acknowledge the leadership of Deputy Chief McCoy and former Chief Bill Ireland in helping prepare these men for advancement in their careers’ said Quispamsis Councillor Kirk Miller, Chair of the Board.
House fire in Quispamsis
Fire Damages Home in Rothesay
New Year's Eve and Fireworks
- Provide and maintain fully operational fire extinguishing equipment ready for immediate use and present at all times for a reasonable period thereafter, at the location or site of the setting off of the consumer fireworks. This includes having knowledge of the operational procedures associated with said fire extinguisher equipment;
- Follow the manufacturer's requirements for the discharge of the fireworks;
- Comply with the Municipality’s Noise By-law;
- Permit the inspection of any site where consumer fireworks may be stored, set off or displayed, and the consumer fireworks themselves, together with all associated equipment, by anyone authorized to enforce this By-law, forthwith upon demand;
- No person shall store, handle or set off Consumer fireworks in an unsafe manner or in a manner that creates a nuisance, taking into account the noise, danger from fire and explosion, and risk of death, injury and damage to property inherent in the storage, handling or use of fireworks;
The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department (KVFD) is inviting applications for the position of Fire Chief.
Fire ChiefROTHESAY, NB – The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department is looking for a new chief.
After more than 10 years at the helm of the KVFD, Bill Ireland is leaving his post to take a senior management position with a municipality outside the province.
“I have thoroughly enjoyed my time with the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department,” Ireland said. “The men and women under my command provide exemplary service to the 30,000 residents of Quispamsis and Rothesay. I want to thank them for their dedication and commitment.”
Ireland joined the KVFD in March 2009 as division chief. He succeeded Larry Greer as fire chief in April 2010. The native of Burk’s Falls, Ont. has been a professional fire fighter for 32 years.
“We have a first-class fire service in the Kennebecasis Valley,” said Quispamsis Coun. Kirk Miller, the chair of the KV Fire Board. “Although we are sorry to see Chief Ireland go, we wish him the best. His successor will have big boots to fill.”
Miller said the fire board accepted Ireland’s resignation with regret, and the search for a new chief will begin immediately.
Ireland will remain on the job until Feb. 4. Deputy Chief Dan McCoy will become the acting chief upon Ireland’s departure until the new chief is hired.
Media contacts:
KVFD Chief Bill Ireland 506-848-6601
KV Fire Board Chair Kirk Miller 506-651-1199
Training Focuses on Larger Buildings
Fire Prevention Week 2021 “Learn the Sounds of Fire Safety"
Forest Fire Season 2021
Garage Destroyed by Fire
Structure Fires in Rothesay and Quispamsis
March 3, 2021
Kennebecasis Regional Police Force Ambulance New Brunswick paramedics, Rothesay Town of Quispamsis water and works departments, NB Power crews, and Hampton Fire Rescue, Simonds Fire Department, Saint John Fire Department, and Nauwigewauk Fire Department for mutual aid assistance.2020 Annual Report
February 5th, 2021
Our 2020 annual report is now available; please click on the link below to view the report.
Long Service Recognition
These awards recognize provincial and federal long service awards that were achieved between January 2018 and December 2019.
In addition to the long service awards, eight members received a letter of commendation for their actions at a rescue incident in early 2020.
Chief Bill Ireland presented each member with a certificate and pin, medal or bar for years of service.
The members honoured include:
Firefighter Scott Carr, provincial 15 year pinFirefighter Keith Scichilone, provincial 15 year pinFirefighter Don Kearney, federal 20 year medalFirefighter Scott Hatt, federal 20 year medalSenior Firefighter Mike Nixon, federal 20 year medalLieutenant Paul Nixon, federal 20 year medalDivision Chief Shawn White, federal 20 year medalDivision Chief Mike Boyle, federal 20 year medalFirefighter Bruce Leblanc, provincial 25 year medalFirefighter Scott Dunbar, provincial 25year medalFirefighter Karey Madill, provincial 25year medalLieutenant Reg Verner, provincial 25 year medalCaptain John Codling, federal 30 year barFirefighter Eric Boyle, provincial 35 year barFirefighter Rob Hamilton (retired), provincial 35 year barCaptain Bill Gentleman, provincial 35 year bar
COVID-19 Orange Phase
Effective midnight tonight, the Saint John region will be moving back to the “orange” phase of the response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Please note the following changes to our fire department's operations during this phase:
- No outside visitors except for essential services (maintenance, repair, etc.)
- Car seat installations will be limited to installs for newborn infants or expectant parents only.
- Any member of the public purchasing a civic sign will be required to wait outside while the sign is prepared
- Home inspections are suspended
- Site visits are suspended (tours, public events, etc.).
New Tank 2 in Service
November 10, 2020
Following a short ceremony this morning, our new Tank 2 officially went into service at Station 2 in Quispamsis. As part of the ceremony, Chief Bill Ireland spoke about the new truck and Chaplain Bruce Smith gave a blessing.
This was followed by a "wet-down ceremony" where the old truck sprays down the new one and it is finally pushed into the station by the firefighters.
Tank 2 is single axle tanker built on a Freightliner M2 112 chassis with a Dependable tanker body. The apparatus features a Hale AP50, 500 GPM pump with five (5) discharges and a 1800 USG poly tank.
Dogs Saved From Fire
Home Damaged by Fire in Rothesay
Home Damaged by Fire in Quispamsis
Fire Inspector Training
Fire Prevention Week
Fire Prevention Week is October 4th to 10th. This years theme is “ Serve Up Fire Safety in the Kitchen!” Cooking is one of the leading causes of home fires and injuries so follow us this week on Facebook for tips on how to stay safe in the kitchen.
Executive Chief Fire Officer
Last night the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs held their Celebration of Excellence as part of their annual conference, Fire Rescue Canada 2020, which was held virtually this year. Division Chief Shawn White was one of seven chief officers from across the country who officially received the professional designation of Executive Chief Fire Officer (ECFO).
Also, Senior Firefighter Karen Trecartin was entered in the ECFO Aspire program, a program to help develop aspiring chief officers and she received a bursary to offset the costs of the process.
Launched in 2018, the ECFO professional designation replaced the Chief Fire Officer program in Canada, and acknowledges the fire service leaders who showcase best practices through proving 30 competencies that fall within seven themes: leadership, human resources, governance, business acumen, finance, fire prevention, and fire technical.
The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department is proud to have the distinction that all four of its chief officers hold the ECFO designation, who are part of a group of only 115 ECFO designated chief officers across the country.
Fire Prevention and COVID-19
Station Tours
• Groups of 10 people or less (For larger groups, tours will be offered in groups of 10 while others wait outside)HomeSafe Home Inspections
• Firefighters will wear face masks for the duration of the inspectionPublic Speaking Events
• The department will participate in public speaking events where the occupancy of the facility is based on the ability to maintain physical distancing between people
Site Visits/Public Events
Fire Prevention Week
• The department will deliver social media messages based on the theme of fire prevention week (to be announced)
Firefighter for a Day Program
Car Seat Installation
• Car seat installations will take place on an individual basis• Firefighter will wear a face mask during the installation
Fire Department Members Complete Educational Program
House Fire in Rothesay
June 3rd, 2020
Around 5:30 am this morning, firefighters were dispatched to a house fire on the Rothesay Road, in Rothesay. One of the occupants noticed the smoke and alerted the rest of the occupants who escaped the home with no injuries. Firefighters contained the fire to the basement however the home sustained fire damage in the basement and extensive smoke damage throughout. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
If you have questions about home fire safety or would like a free home safety inspection, please contact us. We can conduct home inspections while taking precautions for COVID-19.
1 Dead, 3 Injured After House Fire in Rothesay
2019 Annual Report
2019 Annual ReportFire in Quispamsis
Just before 5 am this morning firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire on Parkside Road in Quispamsis. A fire in the kitchen was extinguished quickly but the smoke damage has made the home temporarily uninhabitable. Three adults have had temporary accommodations provided by the Red Cross.
Please be sure during this period of social isolation to check your smoke alarms and talk about home escape planning, especially if your sleeping arrangements have changed.
A Statement from Fire Chief Bill Ireland Regarding COVID-19 and the Fire Service
Issued: March 16th, 2020
Like countless organizations throughout the community and around the world, the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department is actively monitoring the COVID-19 situation. Since this first began to emerge in January and increased as a local threat in March, we have followed guidance provided by provincial health agencies and have taken a number of precautions to help mitigate risk as we focus on the safety and well-being of our community and our firefighters. We are attending meetings and coordinating planning with both towns and other emergency response agencies.
To keep our firefighters healthy so that they are available to respond to emergencies, we are suspending most of our regular fire prevention activities and limiting the visitors allowed into our fire stations. For most normal questions and concerns, we can help you by phone or email, which are listed on our website at www.kvfire.ca.
You will notice a number of precautions that our members will be taking on emergency calls, such as masks and gowns. We are implementing social distancing protocols so while we work with the community, we will respectfully be maintaining a social distance of two meters whenever possible.
This is an uncertain time for all of us. I want to assure you that the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department and all emergency services remain fully functional. This is a situation that can change rapidly, but through emergency planning and working with our partners, we are prepared to manage impacts on our community and on our department. We are working with the Kennebecasis Firefighters Union to ensure they can help support the families of our firefighters and our community at large.
We will be posting fire safety messages and home safety messages over the next weeks to help keep you safe at home. In the meantime, wash your hands, take care of loved ones, and follow the advice of our health professionals.
For specific information on COVID-19, please visit:
gnb.ca/content/gnb/en/departments/ocmoh/cdc/content/respiratory_diseases/coronavirus.html
Ice Rescue on the Kennebecasis River
February 2nd, 2020
Just after 11 pm on Saturday night, the KVFD was dispatched for an ice rescue on the Kennebecasis River. Two individuals riding an ATV drove into open water and had to be rescued by firefighters. Details on the individuals and their condition is not available at this time.
The KVFD is advising that residents that currently there are areas of open water on the Kennebecasis River and to use extreme caution when using the ice for recreation. Residents should consult local weather forecasts as well as public alerts from the Government of New Brunswick before using the ice for recreation.
Holiday Relief Firefighter
Interested in a career with us? The KVFD is hiring firefighters for the entry level position of Holiday Relief Firefighter. Follow the link below for information on the job posting and the job application.
If you have questions, message us here .
Family Escapes House Fire in Quispamsis
Engine 2
We are pleased to announce that this past weekend on November 30th, 2019, our new Engine 2 was put into service at Station 2 in Quispamsis.
This truck, a 2019 Spartan built by Dependable Fire Trucks, has a 1250 gallon per minute pump, carries 1000 gallons of water, and carries equipment for fires, car accidents, medical emergencies, and all of the other types of emergencies we respond to as a fire department.
This truck replaces the old Engine 2 which after a decade of service on the "front line" will move into a back-up role as an engine.
Fire Department Accreditation
Fire Prevention Week 2019
The theme for fire prevention week, October 6th to October 12th, is "Not Every Hero Wears a Cape. Plan and Practice your Escape!" with a focus on home escape planning. Be sure to follow us on Facebook for daily messages about fire prevention and home escape planning. Also, visit our annual fire department open house on Saturday!
Visitors are encouraged to tour the fire station, view the numerous emergency response vehicles, meet the firefighters, check out the tools, and learn what services KVFD offers. Firefighters will be available to answer any questions you may have about fire safety!
Please join us at Fire Station #1 at 7 Campbell Drive in Rothesay on October 12th between 11AM-2PM!
Garage Damaged by Fire
Division Chief Shawn White
The KVFD is proud to announce the promotion of Lieutenant Shawn White to Division Chief. DC White joined the KVFD as a volunteer in 2000 and became a career firefighter in 2004. He was promoted to Senior Firefighter in 2011 and then to Lieutenant in 2015.
DC White holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of New Brunswick and has completed certificate programs in Fire Service Leadership and Fire Service Administration from Dalhousie University. DC White is a certified fire service instructor and fire inspector and will be responsible for employee development and safety.
We wish Shawn all the best in his new position.
Junior Firefighter Camp
Our 2nd Annual Junior Firefighter Camp is all set for July 23rd, 24th, and 25th from 9:30 am until 12:00 pm for children aged 10 to 12.
Fire destroys Quispamsis family's home
Finance Administrator (20 hours/week)
- Post-Secondary Degree or Diploma in Business Administration, Finance, Accounting or other related field.
- Strong working knowledge of accounts payable and accounts receivable functions.
- Experience with budget, accounting, and reporting systems.
- Sound analytical thinking, planning, prioritization, and execution skills.
- Ability to respond appropriately in pressure situations with a calm and steady demeanor.
- Able to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing.
- High standard of professionalism and attention to detail
- Strong computer skills including Sage (Simply Accounting) and Microsoft Office
- Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment and maintain confidentiality
2018 Annual Report
From floods to radio systems, 2018 was a significant year for the KVFD. Have a look back at 2018 by reviewing our annual report.
Fire Damages Home in Quispamsis
Joint Mental Health Initiative
The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department, in partnership with the Kennebecasis Firefighter’s Union, is pleased to announce the launch of its Joint Mental Health Initiative. This initiative, with a simple goal of keeping our members healthy, has four main areas of focus including both preventative and reactive measures.
These areas include prevention (stigma, resiliency, education, workplace culture) emergency response (during and post incident), organizational crisis, and individual issues ranging from family issues to PTSD.
With support from our IAFF Peer Support members, our Chaplain, Dr. Bruce Smith, and members of our management team, the department is proud to support our members with this initiative. Throughout the month of February, the department will be delivering a “Road to Mental Readiness” refresher course to our members and hosting Michael Johnston, founder of Hope for Heroes Canada, to discuss PTSD.
Busy Weekend for KVFD Firefighters
Friday night began a busy weekend for KVFD firefighters with an accident on Highway 1 and at the same time a smell of gas in a home in Quispamsis. On Saturday in French Village, a car was destroyed by fire and damaged a nearby garage. Later that afternoon, Tank 1 assisted Hampton Fire Rescue with water supply for a fully involved garage fire. Saturday evening firefighters assisted the Kennebecasis Regional Police with scene lighting and an area search while they searched for a missing person in Rothesay.
Van Damaged by Fire in Quispamsis
Photo credit: Paul Wood
