Departing fire chief reflects on service, gratitude for Lloydminster community

Lloydminster, AB/SK – The City of Lloydminster has accepted the resignation of Fire Chief Leigh Sawicki, who has led the composite Lloydminster Fire Department for the past 43 months. Sawicki completed his services with the Department on Monday, September 18, 2023.

"It has been my privilege to serve as the fire chief in this incredible community. Together, with our dedicated team, we faced every challenge with resilience and a commitment to keeping Lloydminster safe. I am grateful for the support of the community,” says Sawicki.

Sawicki is commended for his dedication to public safety and support for professional development within the department. His insight and years of experience teaching fire and medical courses throughout the Prairies and Ontario were assets to the department when the new Station No. 1 was designed. Sawicki also played a central role in the department’s transition to a composite department with a combination of full-time and paid, on-call firefighters.

“Fire Chief Leigh Sawicki’s contributions to enhancing firefighting services have been instrumental in shaping a safer city,” says Dion Pollard, City Manager, City of Lloydminster. “On behalf of the community and the City of Lloydminster, we wish him and his family the very best in their future endeavours.”

Assistant Fire Chief Bill Heesing will serve as the department’s acting fire chief, and Kristopher Hill will continue his role as assistant fire chief, while the City of Lloydminster recruits for a new fire chief.