Longtime former Colwood Fire Rescue chief Russ Cameron is helping out a fellow department for three months.

The District of Sooke named Cameron interim fire chief to replace Steve Sorensen, who recently retired after a 36-year career with the community’s volunteer department.

Cameron began firefighting at the age of 18 as a volunteer in Colwood. He later worked as a crash and fire rescue specialist for the Ministry of Transportation at the Victoria Airport. He eventually took a career position with Colwood Fire Rescue and wound up as the department’s longest-serving fire chief – almost 25 years. While in that position, Cameron became well-known locally and across the province.

“Change is a normal and natural part of any organization, and after the well-deserved retirement of our previous long-term fire chief, it was important to have someone with considerable experience to guide the fire department during this transition,” said Teresa Sullivan, Sooke chief administrative officer.

Cameron began his new duties Aug. 8. The district has begun a nationwide search for a new fire chief.

– Sooke News Mirror