Winnipeg fire chief retiring this summer

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The head of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service (WFPS) is stepping down.

The city announced Friday that WFPS Chief Christian Schmidt is retiring after almost 33 years of service to the city.

His last day on the job is July 3, 2026.

Schmidt joined the city as a paramedic in 1993 and was named WFPS chief in 2021.

According to the city, Schmidt led the WFPS through the pandemic, and helped secure a new paramedicine contract with Shared Health during his tenure as chief. Two new fire stations also opened in Winnipeg during Schmidt’s career as chief, and he supported the addition of 40 new firefighter positions in 2026 and 2027.

“He has been an innovative leader, guiding the WFPS through a period of real modernization, from new facilities and equipment to the implementation of a more advanced dispatch system that is improving how we respond to calls,” Mayor Scott Gillingham said in a statement. “Just as importantly, he has led with a collaborative approach, working with partners across the system to deliver better service for Winnipeggers.

“He leaves the department in a strong position for the future.”

Recruiting is underway for the next WFPS chief, the city said in its release.