KFR Chief Ken Uzelok (image credit - CFJC Today)

By Michael Reeve

NEW CHIEF

Kamloops’ new fire chief straight into the deep end with the Watching Creek Wildfire burning just outside of town

Aug 3, 2022 | 4:32 PM

KAMLOOPS — Kamloops Fire Rescue’s new chief has arrived in the city and is being thrown directly into the deep end with the activation of the Emergency Operations Centre yesterday (Aug. 2). Ken Uzeloc has over 30 years of experience, including his last 15 in Calgary as Deputy Chief where he oversaw portfolios in risk management, diversity and inclusion, operations and technical teams, planning and compliance and administration.

He took over the role with the Watching Creek wildfire burning northwest of city limits. The new Chief is working quickly to learn about his new home. Today, Chief Uzelok was in meetings at the City’s Emergency Operations Centre as it prepares for any possibility.

“It was good to jump right into a situation and start to get the lay of the land, how the relationship with BC Wildfire works. Going up and taking a tour of the fire site itself was very beneficial to help us with our planning here with our city partners and BC Wildfire,” said Uzelok.

Uzeloc, originally from Trail, succeeds Chief Steve Robinson who retired at the end of April 2022. Kamloops Fire Rescue has seen a series of chiefs in recent years, Uzelok isn’t planning on joining that trend.

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“The lifespan of Fire Chief is about five to seven years. You need about five years to identify what you want to get accomplished, work through, get it going, see it to completion. And after seven years to tend to be a little complacent. I would like to be here for 5-7 years to get some work done. And then one of my big jobs is to make sure I’m supporting staff, both the executive staff and the fire crews for their succession and their development as well,” said Uzelok.