Jamie Ovens: Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department’s new Deputy Fire Chief

Jamie Ovens (left) is presented with the Deputy Fire Chief helmet by Gabriola Fire Chief Sprogis after being hired on to the GVFD.

Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department

Submitted Article

Jamie Ovens is the new Deputy Fire Chief for the Gabriola Volunteer Fire Department (GVFD).

Jamie joins the department from Cumberland, and brings over 10 years of fire service experience, encompassing both professional and volunteer roles.

In Cumberland Jamie’s focus was on new recruit training, wildland interface fire prevention, wildfire fighting, and supporting the department to develop and implement systems and processes.

Jamie’s experience includes leading wildfire response teams, managing fire department equipment, and developing training programs, and extensive first responder and safety training. Notably, Jamie’s leadership was instrumental during the McDougall Creek Wildfire in August 2023, where he led a team in urban interface wildfire planning and response, and earlier in the Tremont Creek wildfire where is structural protection unit played a significant role in saving the town of Logan Lake in 2021.

In addition to his rural wildfire and structural firefighting experience, Jamie led volunteer firefighting efforts on Keats Island, a rural and remote island in Howe Sound visible from Gabriola and served as the President of the local community association there.

Jamie is the second-generation of firefighters in his family, with public service a connecting thread within his family and at the forefront of his desire to join the fire service. As Deputy Chief Jamie is looking forward to this new opportunity to serve community and enhance public safety.

This opportunity at GVFD caught Jamie’s eye in terms of its focus on training firefighters and new recruits, supporting community fire safety through fire inspections and bringing his wildfire experience to help assist  the Fire Smart program.

Jamie is not unfamiliar with Gabriola, spending many summers on the island, and has had family on the island reaching back four generations. He and his wife are enthusiastic about joining the Gabriola community permanently.

Jamie’s blend of technical expertise, leadership skills, and community spirit promises to be a tremendous asset to Gabriola Fire & Rescue. Gabriola Island looks forward to benefiting from his experience and dedication as he transitions into his new role.

Please join us in welcoming Jamie to our community! If you see him out and about, please say hello.