Deputy chief Chad Eakins briefs the media during the Royal Hotel fire in September 2022. The 20-year veteran of the Medicine Hat Fire Service was named the department's new chief on Thursday.--NEWS FILE PHOTO
Chad Eakins is Medicine Hat’s new fire chief as of Thursday.
Eakins, a member of the local fire service since 2007, became assistant deputy chief in 2019, then deputy chief in 2021.
Since February, he has served as acting chief, following former chief Brian Stauth’s move to city hall.
Stauth, who is now public services managing director, supports the city’s decision to promote Eakins to fire chief, stating, “Chad has great experience and is a trusted leader. 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.”
City manager Ann Mitchell is also pleased with the selection and says Eakins’ career advancements serve as an example of successful succession planning.
