The City of Grande Prairie formally introduced its new Fire Chief on April 16th.
Chief Mark VanWerkhoven was named Chief of the Grande Prairie Fire Department in March and says he is “honoured” to continue his service in the City of Grande Prairie.
VanWerkhoven has a wealth of experience in public service, working as Deputy Chief of Communications and managing Grande Prairie’s 9-1-1 service in his previous role. The new Chief also served in the Canadian Armed Forces, STARS, and EMS and Grande Prairie Mayor Jackie Clayton says she is “excited” to see VanWerkhoven continue to advance his career.
“We’re really excited to welcome Chief Mark onto the team and we’re really proud to see him work his way up the organization,” she says. “He brings a broad spectrum of experience and will be an incredible addition to the Fire Department.”
VanWerkhoven replaces former GPFD Chief Preben Bossen, as Bossen heads into retirement after a 40-year career in firefighting.
“We wish Chief Bossen all the best in his retirement,” the mayor says.
The new Chief marks only the 11th in GPFD history, which Mayor Clayton says shows the commitment to firefighting every Chief has shown during their time with the Fire Department.
“It’s a similar story in the sense that Chief Bossen was with the organization in various roles for many years, so it’s great to see people investing and really committing to not only the Grande Prairie Fire Department but to Grande Prairie as a whole.”
VanWerkhoven took on his new role on March 20th, 2024, and says he is “excited” to continue the legacy of the GPFD.