Former Okanagan Falls fire chief Bob Haddow, who served in his role for 50 years, has died. He was 82.
According to a family statement, the longtime fire chief died peacefully on April 3.
Haddow joined the Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department when he was 20 years old. Five years later, in 1967, he was named chief.
He served in that role until his retirement in 2017, holding the distinction of being North America’s longest-serving fire chief.
“Chief Haddow was integral to the development of the Okanagan Falls Fire Department and was a strong advocate for volunteer firefighters,” said Mark Pendergraft, Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen chair. “His many contributions to the South Okanagan community will always be remembered and appreciated.”
Haddow oversaw several milestones in Okanagan Falls during his time as fire chief, including playing a key role in ensuring the department’s success in constructing a new hall in 1994.
“Chief Haddow’s contribution to firefighting is unparalleled, being the longest-serving fire chief in North American history,” said Matt Taylor, the RDOS’ director for Okanagan Falls. “More importantly, this is one of the biggest contributions by any individual to our local community. On behalf of the community, we thank you for all your efforts.”
A statement released by the Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department reads that Haddow also coordinated responses to notable incidents like the 2003 Vaseux Lake Fire.
“The members of the Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department were his pride and joy,” representatives from the department said. “Chief Haddow believed in training, taking courses to improve members’ skills, and was most proud when group pictures were taken of all members in their uniform, which hang in the fire hall today.”
Haddow was born in Edmonton and moved to Penticton when he was a teenager, according to his family.
After joining the Okanagan Falls department, the longtime chief served as an executive on the Volunteer Firefighters Association of BC.
“All members of the Okanagan Falls Fire Department, both past and present, extend their condolences to Chief Haddow’s family,” the department’s statement continues. “A celebration of life will be held in the near future.”
READ MORE: B.C. airline adds more summer flights between Penticton, Vancouver