The City of Lethbridge has found its new Fire Chief.

Deputy Chief Marc Rathwell will be taking over the top position at the end of August as Chief Rich Hildebrand retires.

Rathwell has been a member of the city’s emergency services department since 1996 when he was hired as a paramedic-firefighter.

In 2010 he became the Medical Training Officer then served as a Lieutenant in 2014 before advancing to Captain in 2016 and Deputy Chief last November.

Director of Community Services Tony Vanden Heuvel, says the quality of candidates was very impressive, making this competition a strong one. He says that speaks to the strength in leadership within our department and the strong commitment to public safety our members show day in and day out.