KV fire chief retires after more than 20 years of service

Kennebecasis Valley Fire Chief Mike Boyle is closing out a long career in public service.

Boyle spent more than two decades with the Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department, starting as a volunteer before moving into a full‑time role and eventually becoming chief.

He said the people he worked with shaped his career as much as the calls themselves.

“I’ve made friends along the way that have become lifelong friends,” he said.

Boyle said the fire service has changed significantly since he joined in 1998, with new technology, more complex incidents and major improvements in protective equipment.

He said tools like drones and thermal imaging cameras were unimaginable when he started, but the purpose of the job never changed.

“The older you get, the desire to serve and to help people becomes more important,” he said.

He pointed to the department’s accreditation through the Commission on Fire Accreditation International as a major milestone.

The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Department was the first in New Brunswick to earn the designation, which Boyle described as a proud moment for the entire team.

The Kennebecasis Valley Fire Board said Boyle led the department for nearly four years as chief and helped oversee the renovation and expansion of Station 2.

The board thanked him for his professionalism and character, saying it was proud of his contributions to the community.

Boyle said he will continue working in public service in a new role with the Government of New Brunswick.

Deputy Chief Shawn White, who has served in the role for four years, will oversee day‑to‑day operations while the search for a new chief begins.

Regular service is not expected to be affected during the transition.