Photo From www.medicinehat.ca

By Chris Brown

City looking for new fire chief

Former fire chief to stay in city administration role until next year

Mar 1, 2023 | 10:11 AM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Shifting roles in City of Medicine Hat administration have solidified the position of managing director of public services for the next year but has the city looking for a new chief of fire and emergency services.

Brian Stauth took on the interim managing director role after Brian Mastel announced his resignation that became effective at the end of January. The city said Tuesday that Stauth has agreed to remain in the role until he retires in March 2024.

“I am excited to work with the rest of the executive leadership team, the senior leadership team, city council, and all the dedicated city employees to create better outcomes for our residents,” says Stauth.

Stauth will focus on several initiatives in the public services division over the next year, the city says. These include the Recreation Master Plan; the Community Well Being Plan; Facilities for the Future; the Arts, Heritage and Entertainment Plan; and community safety.

City manager Ann Mitchell says Stauth has adjusted to his new role well and is pleased he’ll remain there until next year.

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The recruitment for a permanent managing director of public services will be put on hold until late this year.

Stauth was previously Medicine Hat’s fire chief and the city says the search for a new chief will begin shortly.

He began with the city as as a firefighter in 1994. In 2008 he became the deputy chief and became chief four years later. In his time as chief, the city says, Stauth oversaw changes that significantly improved fire service delivery, including working with staff to shave critical seconds off response times, ensuring Medicine Hat Fire and Emergency Services performs at or better than the National Fire Protection Association standards.