Langley Township's Fire Chief, Stephen Gamble, is once again being recognized for his years of service.
Justice Institute of British Columbia (JIBC) will confer a Doctor of Laws degree, honoris causa, upon Gamble, a 38-year firefighter.
The honorary degree is presented in recognition of Gamble’s leadership and contributions to public safety.
“It is our privilege to recognize Mr. Gamble’s longstanding commitment to the safety of our communities with this honorary degree,” said Dr. Michel Tarko, JIBC President and CEO.
“From his start as a volunteer firefighter to leader of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs, he has demonstrated dedication to public service and an unwavering desire to keep the public safe. He is the epitome of the leadership we aim to inspire in our students at JIBC.”
Last year, Gamble received the distinction of Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs Full-time Fire Chief of the Year.
Gamble entered the fire service in 1978 as a volunteer firefighter with the City of Port Coquitlam where he was hired as a full-time career firefighter in 1980.
He was promoted to Assistant Fire Chief of Operations and Emergency Preparedness Co-ordinator in 1996, Acting Fire Chief for the department in 2001, and the full time Fire Chief/Emergency Co-ordinator in 2003.
He became Township of Langley Fire Chief in 2011.
Gamble has over 12 years of experience as an adjunct instructor with the JI, and holds certifications including in municipal management from Capilano University, a bachelor’s degree in justice and public leadership with Simon Fraser University, and a fellowship designation with the Institute of Fire Engineers.
In 2012, he became the first BC fire chief in 20 years to be elected president of the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs (CAFC), only the fourth fire chief from B.C. to hold the position in the organization’s century-long history. He served in that role until 2014. Gamble also served as the president of the Fire Chiefs’ Association of British Columbia from 2007 to 2011.
The 2017 Winter Convocation ceremony, which will recognize more than 375 graduates who have completed certificates, diplomas and degrees at JIBC, will be held Feb. 9 at the New Westminster campus.