City of Medicine Hat announces new Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services

Medicine Hat – The City of Medicine Hat is pleased to announce that Chad Eakins has accepted the role of Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services effective immediately. 

Joining the City of Medicine Hat Fire Services team in 2007, Eakins has 20 years of experience in emergency services. He became Assistant Deputy Chief in 2019, followed by Deputy Chief in 2021. In February 2023, he stepped in as acting chief following the move of former chief, Brian Stauth, into the role of Managing Director of Public Services.

Through these roles, Eakins gained considerable hands-on leadership experience and consistently demonstrated the qualities and attributes necessary to perform in the role.

“Succession planning is an important aspect of organizational success, and I am pleased to note that the organizational structure in Fire and Emergency Services is an example of how a succession plan with structured opportunities for mentorship, coaching, and opportunities to lead can be very successful,” says City Manager, Ann Mitchell. “I am confident in our choice to offer Chad the role.”

In addition to Eakin’s experience, his candidacy was evaluated through an internal review process led by human resources that assessed leadership competencies, skillset, and alignment to the role.

The decision to offer Eakins the role was further supported by the former Fire Chief and Director of Emergency Services.

“Chad has great experience and is a trusted leader,” says Brian Stauth, Managing Director of Public Services. “I know he will do a great job in leading the Fire and Emergency Services team and overseeing this critical service to our community. Medicine Hat is in good hands.”

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media@medicinehat.ca