After a period of controversy, St. Albert has hired a new fire chief to oversee the city’s fire services and municipal enforcement services teams.
Everett Cooke — formerly the fire chief at the City of Beaumont — will step into the position, the city announced in a Wednesday news release.
Prior to serving as fire chief at Beaumont for four years, Cooke was the fire chief for the County of Grand Prairie.
“The city is excited to welcome Mr. Cooke into the corporation and looks forward to the leadership he will provide to our emergency services professionals and the critical services the department provides,” the news release said.
Cooke’s appointment follows a period of turbulence in the city’s fire service department. In February of 2021, former Chief Bernd Gretzinger stepped down amid complaints that two of the city’s fire chiefs allegedly received their COVID-19 vaccines ahead of front-line staff.
After Gretzinger left his position, his temporary replacement Scott Wilde also left the stepped down following a non-confidence vote in June.
"The city appreciates the service of our former and acting directors and thanks all employees of the department for their ongoing contributions to our organization and our community," the news release said.
Cooke will step in to his new role starting Sept. 13.
