Message from the GM/Fire Chief

Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services (VFRS) is a highly respected North American fire department, as confirmed by the many letters of appreciation the department receives complementing our commitment to excellence. Over the past few years, our department has gone through significant change to support our high standards; helping ensure we continue to meet the needs of our employees and the people we serve.

In 2000, the department developed a Strategic Plan which defines our new mission statement, our core values and roles, and six strategic directions the VFRS will focus on over this longer time period. Each year the plan will be reviewed to ensure our priorities and goals are in alignment with the expectations of Council and the communities we serve. To help achieve these goals and help measure our success, each division will develop annual work plans with the involvement of their staff.

Our mission statement "People Who Care About You" reflects what Vancouver Fire & Rescue Services' is about and affirms that all employees are proud of VFRS, and are there to help, whatever the need. Our mission statement also confirms that the VFRS administration are committed to ensuring the needs of our employees and the communities we serve are defined and met, to the best of our ability.

Staff are encouraged to familiarize themselves with the VFRS Strategic Plan content and our future direction. Successful implementation of the plan is dependent on all staff striving to live the VFRS core values and roles defined in the plan.

The citizens of Vancouver are justified in their pride of the department, which has a long and proud history, and has proven to be a leader among the fire departments in North America. I am confident the VFRS will continue to lead in the coming years.