Brian Webster was a member of Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services for 24 years, during which time he served in the roles of firefighter, fire prevention officer, chief training officer and deputy chief.--SUBMITTED PHOTO
Medicine Hat is saying goodbye to retired deputy fire chief Brian Webster, following his passing on April 9 at the age of 64.
Webster joined Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services in 1996 as a firefighter, but made several moves throughout his 24-year career transitioning to the roles of fire prevention officer, chief training officer and, eventually, deputy chief – the role he retired from in 2020.
During time with the service, Webster also took an active role in Medicine Hat Firefighters Local 263 as a member, then executive member, then president.
Following his retirement, Webster ran for a position on Medicine Hat city council in the 2021 municipal election, sharing throughout his campaign his belief in fiscal responsibility and transparency of public office.
City managing director and former fire chief, Brian Stauth, worked closely with Webster within the service, as well as the union.
“Brian was a quiet, determined person,” said Stauth. “He was big on details – always wanted to make sure the product was right before we put it out … He gave a lot of thought to everything that we did because he wanted the service we were delivering to be right.”
Stauth credits Webster with development and enhancement of the service’s training branch, which he says continues to serve service members and people in the community.
“Brian played a big part in enhancing the training that our firefighters received,” said Stauth. “He moved the training branch from a very rudimentary branch to something that had a sophistication level that matched the needs of a modern fire service.
“That resulted in direct improvements to the public we serve (as he) got us to the point where our Fire Prevention Branch was much more external-focus than internal-focus. And so, by that I mean, we had far more public contact and far more public fire safety programs and education opportunities for senior homes, schools construction associations, real estate associations – he had a hand in developing programs for all of those.”
As well, Stauth remembers Webster for his positive attitude toward others – an attitude he says remained with Webster until his passing.
Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services also recognized Webster following his passing with a public statement thanking him for all he contributed to the service and the community.
“Brian had many contributions to our department and Local 263,” the statement read. “Brian was very community focused and touched all branches of our department. Brian will be sorely missed.”
A funeral service will be held for Webster on May 13 at 11 a.m. at Pattison Funeral Home. The service will be live streamed, accessible via pattisonfuneralhome.com.
Those wishing to remember Webster are invited to make a donation in his name to the Medicine Hat SPCA.
