Naramata has a new fire chief to start the new year.

The Naramata Volunteer Fire Department will now be headed up by former Penticton Fire Department deputy chief Dennis Smith.

“Dennis Smith brings important leadership skills to this position,” says Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) chief administrative officer Bill Newell. “His background as a firefighter and administrator as well as his knowledge of local government will benefit the community.”

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Smith will oversee a team of 25 volunteer firefighters serving Naramata in Electoral Area “E”.

“I’m excited to take on a new role in the community I’ve called home for many years,” says Smith who previously served as an assistant fire chief, captain and volunteer with Naramata Volunteer Fire Department beginning in 1982.

Smith takes over as Naramata fire chief effective Jan. 5, 2021.

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Smith takes over from former fire chief Tony Trovao, who had been suspended in October 2018 and investigated following written complaints to the regional district about alleged policies and bullying.

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