Wilson’s Landing has a new fire chief

A new chief has been named for the Wilson’s Landing Fire Department.

Paul Zydowicz received his shoulder epaulettes and white chief’s helmet at the weekly training session on Monday, July 11.

Zydowicz takes over from the retiring chief, Ronaye Beck, who has served in the leadership role since July 2019. Beck will continue to serve the community as a member of the fire department.

Zydowicz is very familiar with the 20-member department that serves the Westside Road communities, having served there since joining as a firefighter recruit in 2016. Since then he has risen through the ranks, and in 2019 was appointed deputy chief.

“Paul’s demonstrated his passion to the department and the community over the course of his six years of service,” said Regional District of Central Okanagan (RDCO) fire services manager, Ross Kotscherofski.

“He’s a natural leader and instructor, implementing training in areas like emergency driving, pump operation and the proper use of firefighting apparatus. Paul’s experience includes fighting several wildfires including last summer’s Brenda Creek and White Rock Lake fires.”

Meanwhile, the RDCO continues to search for a new chief for North Westside Fire Rescue. Shawn Barnes is serving as the acting chief of the 30-member department until someone to fill the position can be found.

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