BIO - Chief John McKearney

John joined Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services in 1980 and served in several divisions including as Deputy Chief Emergency Services, for five years. John was appointed Fire Chief by Mayor and Council on July 21, 2009. He brings a strong record of achievement, leadership and commitment over 30 years of experience.

In addition to his fire service career, Chief McKearney has been very involved with the community and other professional activities. He is a leader with the United Way Cabinet and is involved with the Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia and the Office of the Fire Commissioner’s Diversity Committee. Chief McKearney has obtained a Master’s Degree in Leadership from Royal Roads University and Chief Fire Officer (CFO) designation from the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.

As the Chief Officer, his vision is to lead the Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services as a collective of public safety practitioners serving our communities with excellence as responders, educators and fire safety inspectors. Every member has a responsibility to think strategically, work as teams and be accountable to our constituents.