The Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs has picked a new president: 91原创 Township fire chief Steve Gamble.

It is the first time in 20 years that the CAFC has chosen a president from B.C.In fact, he is only the fourth British Columbian president in the organization鈥檚 100-year-old history.

He is not afraid to juggle two big responsibilities.

鈥淚 have never been shy to take on added responsibilities,鈥� he said.

鈥淗owever, I would never have consider the president鈥檚 position without having the support of staff within the fire department, the Township, council, and of course my family,鈥� Gamble said.

鈥淚鈥檓 quite humbled that my peers have elected me to represent them,鈥� said Gamble.

As president, it is his duty to speak on behalf of the members of the CAFC and the issues facing the Canadian fire service.

鈥淭here are a number of issues we are pursuing all of which are directed at achieving our goal of keeping the public and our firefighters safe,鈥� he said.

For example, working with emergency partners (police and ambulance) the CAFC is developing a national strategy to improve voice communication and 鈥渋nter-operability challenges鈥� across all three disciplines, he said.

The CAFC is working on a number of initiatives to protect firefighters and citizens through Building and Fire Code amendments and product design.

A big challenge for the CAFC is strengthening its role as a trusted advisor to the federal government and all that comes with this distinction, Gamble said.

鈥淢ore than ever we are called upon to provide input and insight to assist government and agencies within government, develop polices and best practices to keep people safe,鈥� he said.

Thanks to technology, Gamble won鈥檛 have to travel often for his CAFC duties.

Mayor Jack Froese said that Gamble鈥檚 appointment reflects his leadership ability, dedication and commitment to the fire service.

Gamble became Township鈥檚 fire chief in January, 2011, bringing with him more than three decades of firefighting and administrative experience. Having served for 33 years in Port Coquitlam, he was the first Township fire chief to be hired from another area.

He is also past president of the Fire Chiefs Association of B.C. and served as first vice-president of the CAFC before being elected president.