Yellowknife’s mayor says the city has attracted an “accomplished and experienced leader” to take over as its new fire chief.
The last fire chief, Nelson Johnson, parted company with City Hall in April in circumstances that have not been disclosed. Deputy fire chief Rob Andrews took over on an acting basis.
Johnson’s permanent replacement was announced on Monday as Jason Arns, who the city said had come through a “rigorous, multi-stage national recruitment process.”
He’ll start on September 15.
“Jason Arns brings over two decades of experience in fire services, emergency management and public safety, having served in leadership roles across Canada in both urban and rural settings,” said the city.
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A news release announcing the appointment did not set out the detail of those past roles.
News reports suggest Arns retired as the Petrolia and North Enniskillen fire chief in Ontario in late 2023, having been there since 2018. He then appears to have led the Huron East Fire Department in the same province in 2024, covering the communities of Brussels, Ethel and Seaforth.
Arns “brings a strong background in emergency services, training and personnel safety,” Mayor Ben Hendriksen was quoted as saying. “His appointment underscores our ongoing commitment to public safety and service excellence.”
Arns was quoted as saying: “Yellowknife is a remarkable community. I am eager to work with my team, senior management, the mayor and council to bring my best to the capital of the Northwest Territories.”
