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Fire Chief Cliff Warner to retire in May

After 30 years with Prince George Fire Rescue Services, fire chief Cliff Warner is retiring.

Warner’s final day will be May 30, 2025, marking the end of a tenure defined by dedication, leadership, and a steadfast commitment to the safety of Prince George. He was appointed fire chief in January 2022.

Warner’s leadership has been instrumental in navigating the department through pivotal challenges and achievements, including the transition to Fire Hall #1 on Massey Drive, the city’s wildfire evacuations in 2017 and 2018, and operational adaptations during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reflecting on his retirement, Warner said: “Something that rings true to me is the camaraderie, collaboration, and teamwork that have made my time with Prince George Fire Rescue so special. I feel blessed to have been a part of this team. I’ve worked with many great people over the years, learned a lot, and hope I’ve been able to share some of my knowledge in return.”

Warner looks forward to spending more time with his family, including his three grandchildren.

When asked about memorable moments in his career, Warner highlighted the North Central Plywood fire in 2008—a site he had worked at as a student—as well as the wildfire events of 2017 and the complex social challenges faced by frontline workers in recent years.

City manager Walter Babicz expressed gratitude for Chief Warner’s contributions: “We want to thank Chief Warner for his service. Under his guidance, the department has continued to uphold its reputation for excellence in fire and emergency services.”

Mayor Simon Yu echoed these sentiments: “We are deeply thankful for Chief Warner’s decades of service. As mayor, and on behalf of the citizens of Prince George, we appreciate his tireless work under challenging circumstances, particularly in recent years. He has earned the utmost respect from all of us.”

The city will soon begin the process of selecting a new fire chief.

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