RDOS residents protest firing of rural fire chiefs

A group of Kaleden residents staged an early morning rally outside the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) headquarters on Martin Street to voice their displeasure over recent leadership changes within the community’s fire department. The demonstration came only hours after...

A group of Kaleden residents staged an early morning rally outside the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) headquarters on Martin Street to voice their displeasure over recent leadership changes within the community’s fire department. The demonstration came only hours after the Naramata Fire-Fighters’ Society released a statement on social media criticizing recent leadership changes within the Naramata Volunteer Fire Department (NVFD). Dennis Smith was hired as Naramata fire chief five years ago.

A former deputy chief with the Penticton Fire Department, Smith brought 40 years of firefighting experience to the role. He has since been dismissed, a decision that has drawn criticism from members of the department. “Last Thursday, a sudden and unexpected leadership change was imposed upon the Naramata Volunteer Fire Department by the RDOS,” the statement said.

“Put simply, our Fire Chief was dismissed without cause. Our membership does not understand or support the RDOS’s decision. “In a recent meeting with RDOS staff leadership, we were provided with no adequate answers.

We also question why the RDOS has not yet communicated directly with the citizens of Naramata, given their decision impacts an organization tied so closely to our community’s safety and well-being. “We are deeply troubled about what this decision may mean for our department and our community. We want you to know that we will continue to serve Naramata to the best of our ability while we collectively consider our next steps.”

The statement encouraged residents with questions or concerns to contact Area E director Adrienne Fedrigo and RDOS chief administrative officer Jim Zaffino. ••• When Smith was hired in late 2020, the RDOS praised his appointment.

“Dennis Smith brings important leadership skills to this position,” the RDOS said at the time. “His background as a firefighter and administrator, as well as his knowledge of local government, will benefit the community.” Smith, who had previously served as an assistant chief, captain and volunteer firefighter with the NVFD since 1982, officially became fire chief on Jan. 5, 2021.

He oversaw a team of 25 volunteer firefighters serving Naramata in Electoral Area E. “ I’m excited to take on a new role in the community I’ve called home for many years,” Smith said when he was appointed.

The RDOS issued a news release Wednesday afternoon reminding residents that fire protection and emergency response services throughout the regional district continue without interruption. “The safety of residents and communities remains the Regional District’s highest priority,” the release said. The RDOS also announced interim leadership has been put in place in the Kaleden Fire Protection Area to support continued fire protection and emergency response services.

Members of the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department selected Capt. Ryan Elphick to serve as interim leader. He replaces Tony Medeira, who was named fire chief three years ago. The RDOS said its volunteer fire departments continue to be supported by mutual aid agreements with neighbouring departments and provincial agreements with the BC Wildfire Service.

“These partnerships provide access to additional personnel, equipment and resources when needed, helping to ensure dependable emergency response services and continued protection for communities throughout the region,” the release said. “RDOS volunteer fire departments regularly work together through mutual aid arrangements that strengthen regional response capacity, support firefighter safety and help ensure continuity of service.” Stephan Wiednern, a longtime volunteer with the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department, also addressed the leadership changes in a social media post.

“While we have recently experienced a sudden loss of our Fire Chief (hopefully it’s temporary) and Assistant Chief, we remain fully staffed, fully operational and ready to respond,” he wrote. “With over 20 years of experience, our most senior Captain, Ryan Elphick, is our interim leader. At all times, one of our six officers will be acting as the on-duty officer and will be ready to take command of any incident when the pager goes off.”

While the RDOS confirmed Elphick’s interim appointment, it did not comment on the departure of the fire chief or assistant chief. ••• The leadership changes come less than a year after another restructuring within the RDOS fire service.

In August 2025, Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department Chief Jordy Bosscha retired after 37 years of service, including 27 years as fire chief. The RDOS thanked Bosscha for his decades of service. “During his decades of service, Bosscha played an integral role in advancing the community’s firefighting and response efforts,” the regional district said.

“The RDOS would like to express sincere appreciation for his dedication and commitment to the community.” Following Bosscha’s retirement, Tony Iannella was appointed to the newly created position of sub-regional fire chief while continuing to lead the Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department. In the role, Iannella oversees the Fire Services Division within the Protective Services Department, supporting rural fire chiefs, mutual aid partnerships and emergency management.

“Tony Iannella is well known among his peers, colleagues and the RDOS Board for his leadership and professionalism,” RDOS chair Mark Pendergraft said when the appointment was announced. “His past deployments include working with regional partners as Fire Branch Co-ordinator during wildfire events and serving as acting fire chief in Okanagan Falls and Keremeos.” Iannella has been with the Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department for the past 15 years, including several years as fire chief.