View Royal Fire Chief's 42-Year Legacy

0:00View Royal Fire Chief Paul Hurst is retiring after 42 years with a department. He started helping out at the Fire Hall at age 12 and became a volunteer firefighter at 16. He joined as a full-time member in 1988 and took over as chief in 2006. He'll step down on October 1st just after turning 58. During his time as chief, Hurst led the construction of a new public safety building in 2015, replacing the old 57 fire station. He also helped integrate fire services across nearby areas, so the closest crew handles any call, no matter the location. Esquimalt later joined the setup. Colleagues and local leaders have shared warm praise for Hurst. Victoria's fire chief called him straightforward and deeply committed to the community. The View Royal Mayor highlighted his lifelong dedication, starting young and serving without seeking the spotlight. Hurst earned top honors, like the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal in 2004, and the British Columbia Firefighter Medal of Bravery, 2014 for pulling a girl from a burning house.

1:05He's also championed mental health for first responders, including a long run in support of Wounded Warriors Canada. No successor has been named yet, but Hurst plans to travel more with his wife, sleep in, and enjoy the next chapter. His career leaves a strong mark on View Royal Safety Services. This has been Vancouver News Today, powered by AI, I'm Corey with The Story.