Halifax fire chief retires after 8 years on the job

Halifax Fire and Emergency Chief Ken Stuebing speaks to reporters in 2019.

The Halifax fire department will be looking for a new chief in 2026.

Ken Stuebing, executive director and chief of the Halifax Regional Fire & Emergency, announced his retirement on Wednesday. He served on the job for eight years, according to a news release from the Halifax Regional Municipality.

“It has been an honour and privilege to serve alongside hundreds of dedicated and passionate HRFE members,” said Stuebing in the release. “Each day, your commitment to protecting our communities and striving to make things better has been inspiring.”

Stuebing’s last day on the job will be Dec. 1. Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum will take over the role of acting executive director and chief until a permanent hire is made.

Bill Moore, commissioner of public safety, will lead the national search for a new chief.

Last month, the Halifax Professional Fire Fighters union said Stuebing and the management team had “lost the trust and support of the fire fighters to serve HRM.”

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