Vancouver names longtime deputy fire chief Robert Weeks as its new fire chief, starting November 2

The City of Vancouver has appointed longtime deputy fire chief Robert Weeks as the new chief of Vancouver Fire Rescue Services, effective November 2. The Vancouver Sun reported on 29 October that the appointment followed a countrywide search, with the city issuing a news release announcing the decision that day.

Who Weeks is

Weeks has spent more than two decades with Vancouver Fire Rescue Services and has worked in front-line and executive leadership roles. As deputy fire chief of operations support, he has overseen portfolios including training, recruitment, labour relations, occupational health and safety, and capital planning and technology. He also served as president of the Vancouver firefighters union, IAFF Local 18, for nearly a decade and on its executive board for 14 years.

The handover

Weeks replaces interim fire chief Trevor Connelly, who stepped in after former chief Karen Fry retired in July after a decades-long career with the department, including a five-year term as chief. City manager Donny van Dyk said in the news release that Weeks is a highly respected leader who brings extensive experience, sound judgment and integrity to the role. Weeks said his priority is to strengthen the department's ability to respond to the city's evolving needs by ensuring teams have the training, equipment and support they need to do their jobs safely and effectively.

The report also gave salary context: as deputy fire chief, Weeks earned $169,100 in salary and taxable benefits, according to The Vancouver Sun's 2025 public-sector salary database, while Fry earned $288,790 as fire chief; the new chief's specific salary was not disclosed in the report.