Salmon Arm Fire Chief Brad Shirley has announced his retirement after a 44-year career in the fire service. He will retire Sept. 11, 2026.
In a statement, the City of Salmon Arm said Shirley’s connection to the fire department began long before his “official start” as he spent much of his childhood at the fire hall with his father.
He worked summer jobs testing and painting fire hydrants while learning about the career he said he was made for.
“At times we would even use a fire truck to conduct hydrant testing, and when there was a call, we would have to respond,” Shirley said. “I couldn’t wait to join.”
When Shirley turned 19, he joined the volunteer ranks and was later promoted to lieutenant in the training division in 1986.
After years of advancing through the department and following the retirement of Chief Ken Tebo, he was appointed fire chief.
During his tenure, Shirley led the department through significant growth and advancement.
“Together with our paid-on-call and career staff, we have achieved many accomplishments and provided outstanding service to our community,” he said. “We focused on keeping our crews safe, delivering high-quality service and continually improving the department for those who will follow.”
The city said a key milestone in Shirley’s career was his role in developing the Shuswap Regional Fire Training Centre.
Shirley’s service has been recognized through numerous honours, including the Federal Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal and the British Columbia Long Service Awards.
He also contributed provincially, serving as Zone 3 fire training officers deputy director and as a director with the Fire Chiefs Association of B.C. for a decade.
“It has truly been an honour and privilege to serve the residents of the City of Salmon Arm,” Shirley said. “Retirement was not an easy decision, given my family’s deep history with the fire department.”
Since the Salmon Arm fire department was established in 1913, members of the Shirley family have been actively involved.
The city said Shirley’s grandfather was a charter member, his father, Pat, served 40 years as both a volunteer and career firefighter, his brother Greg served 20 years and his brother Jim continues to serve with more than 50 years of service.
“The fire service has been more than a career, it has been a family legacy,” he said. “It has meant a great deal to carry that tradition forward.”
Shirley thanked his family and friends and said he is looking forward to enjoying holidays he often missed while working.
