May 11, 2021, Port Moody, B.C. – City of Port Moody is pleased to announce Darcey O’Riordan will take on the role of fire chief in June. Chief O’Riordan will join Port Moody Fire Rescue on June 7 and will take command with the departure of Chief Ron Coulson, who is retiring, on June 17.
O’Riordan brings with him 26 years of experience in fire and rescue services after starting his career as a fire suppression member with the Burnaby Fire Department in 1995. Since then, he has held several leadership positions with progressive levels of responsibility. In 2016, O’Riordan moved into his current position as deputy chief in Burnaby.
“We are excited to welcome Darcey O’Riordan to Port Moody Fire Rescue,” said Mayor Rob Vagramov. “He has been described as a resilient leader with exceptional concern for the success of others, and I am certain his experience and expertise will be an asset for the department, the City’s leadership team, and the community as a whole.”
O’Riordan holds a bachelor of business degree from Simon Fraser University with a concentration in management and organizational studies. He has also completed certificate programs in leadership and business management at British Columbia Institute of Technology. He has proven experience in fire operations, administration, strategic planning, and visioning. He has acted as Burnaby’s fire chief for extended periods. O’Riordan graduated from high school in Port Moody, and he and his family live in the Tri-Cities area.
“I am honoured to have been selected as the next fire chief of Port Moody,” said O’Riordan. “It is a privilege to follow in Chief Coulson’s footsteps, and to continue his progressive work. I have already seen examples of how welcoming and dedicated the Port Moody Fire Rescue team is. I am excited to meet the rest of the members in the coming weeks and get to work.
“I welcome the opportunity to lead the team, keep them safe, and support their health and wellness,” continued O’Riordan. “I am looking forward to taking on this key community leadership role serving the City of Port Moody.”
The City began its search for a new fire chief after Ron Coulson, Port Moody’s current fire chief, announced his retirement after four years of service with Port Moody Fire Rescue.
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