The City of Kelowna has hired a new fire chief, after an extensive review of candidates from across the country.

Travis Whiting, who has served as deputy fire chief for the past two years, was the successful candidate for fire chief for the Kelowna Fire Department.

As deputy fire chief, Whiting led the Emergency Management and Fire Communications branch of the KFD. He quickly developed strong relationships in that role and led a number of initiatives, including the upgrade of fire dispatch services and formalizing the Emergency Operations Immediate Action Team, stated the city in a press release announcing his hiring.

Whiting began his career as a paid on-call firefighter with the City of Williams Lake, rising to the position of Captain before accepting a position as the Cariboo Regional District emergency program coordinator.

In 2007, he accepted the position of senior manager, protective services, for the Capital Regional District in Victoria, where he served before making the move to Kelowna in 2015.

In addition to extensive fire and emergency management training, Whiting earned a Bachelor of Commerce in Entrepreneurial Management from Royal Roads University and is in the process of completing his Local Government Administration Certificate through Capilano University.

He has been recognized by the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs with the Chief Fire Officer Designation.

Outside of work, Travis, his wife and three boys enjoy the outdoors and are active in the community, volunteering with Minor Lacrosse.