INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Dennis Gorrie as Deputy Fire Chief of Administration for the Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department (WVFD) in Electoral Area “C” (rural Oliver), effective August 1, 2026.

A dedicated member of WVFD for the past 11 years, Gorrie previously served as an officer with the department and brings extensive operational experience and leadership to his new role. As Deputy Fire Chief of Administration, Gorrie will work alongside the Deputy Fire Chief of Operations to oversee all aspects of department administration, planning, and service delivery.

The two-deputy model was established following the promotion of the former Fire Chief to the role of Manager of Regional Fire Services with the RDOS, ensuring continued leadership capacity and operational continuity within the department.

“The Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department benefits from a strong leadership team and committed membership,” said RDOS Chair Mark Pendergraft. “This appointment reflects the department’s depth of experience and supports the continued delivery of effective fire protection services for the community.”

The RDOS encourages residents, property owners, and media outlets to rely on official sources of information regarding fire service operations and organizational updates. The information below outlines the current leadership structures in Kaleden, Keremeos, Naramata, and Okanagan Falls.

• Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department: The administrative leave of the Kaleden Volunteer Fire Department Fire Chief concluded on Monday, July 27, 2026, following a review. The Fire Chief has returned to active duties.

• Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department: The Deputy Fire Chief is in place to ensure operational continuity following the retirement of the Fire Chief in the summer of 2025. The fire department is being effectively managed under this model. The RDOS is in the process of hiring an assistant Fire Chief to provide support.

• Naramata Volunteer Fire Department: Acting leadership remains in place.

• Okanagan Falls Volunteer Fire Department: An interim Fire Chief is in place following the retirement of the previous Fire Chief in the fall of 2025. A long-term leadership decision will be considered by the newly elected mayor and council following the October 17, 2026, municipal election.

The RDOS has responsibility for eight (8) fire departments and is committed to maintaining safe, effective, and well-coordinated fire services. The Manager of Regional Fire Services works with department leadership teams to support regional coordination, ensure compliance with WorkSafeBC requirements, maintain training and operational standards, and advance strategic initiatives across the Regional District. The other RDOS fire departments include Anarchist Mountain, Apex, and Tulameen.

Information session
The Regional District is hosting an online public information session on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The online format enables residents and property owners from across all electoral areas to participate and access information, including those outside the region. 

The RDOS Chief Administrative Officer, Senior Manager of Protective Services, and Manager of Regional Fire Services will attend the information session to provide updates and answer questions related to regional fire service coordination and operations.

Members of the RDOS Board of Directors have been invited to observe the session; however, operational matters remain the responsibility of staff and will be addressed by the administration and fire services leadership team.

Information session
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Join the presentation by visiting: rdos.webex.com

Webinar password: RD@S (7317 from phones)

Join the audio conference only via telephone: 1-833-311-4101 Canada toll-free

Or watch the information session on the RDOS YouTube channel.

Send questions through the Webex chat function during the session.

Send questions via email to communications@rdos.bc.ca.

If you do not have access to email, questions can be submitted in advance by calling RDOS Communications at 250-490-4148.

Residents, property owners, and members of the media are encouraged to follow official RDOS communication channels for the latest information regarding fire protection services.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, RDOS Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 

Contact:
RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

Board Correspondence: info@rdos.bc.ca | 101 Martin Street, Penticton, BC, V2A 5J9

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Photo (l to r)

Tony Iannella, RDOS Manager of Regional Fire Services; Dennis Gorrie, Deputy Fire Chief of Administration, Willowbrook Volunteer Fire Department; Deborah Jones-Middleton, RDOS Senior Manager of Protective Services