Derek Homme is the new Flagstaff Regional Emergency Services Society (FRESS) Regional Manager. Homme officially started at the beginning of July, and has a lot of work ahead as the society moves forward.

Homme says he was raised on the family farm near Hythe, Alberta, and started on his career path quite early. Before attending University, he was a lifeguard at the local pool, and he also served as a volunteer firefighter for the Hythe Fire Department.

He originally wanted to pursue a career in recreation management, taking that schooling, but was also interested in the family farm.

As he continued to work as a firefighter, he became interested in EMT training, and has his EMR certification.

FireMaster recruited him in 2001, where he oversaw Firemaster’s Canadian operations.

Homme then moved to the safety side of things, working on that side of the industry for over three years, until he saw the posting for FRESS, and decided to apply. He says, “I felt that I ticked all the boxes.”

FRESS President and Chair Debra Smith says that Homme was one of a field of 35 candidates that was narrowed down to 12, then six, then two.

Homme went through three different interviews for the position.

Another plus is that his wife, who is in oilfield sales, is very familiar with Flagstaff County, as it’s part of her territory, so he feels comfortable in the region.

Homme says that he’s looking forward to moving here permanently, as he is an avid golfer and curler, and has even served on a ski patrol.

“I feel very fortunate to be awarded the position. I’ve had many different experiences in the fire services field, and I hope to bring a fresh perspective.”

Homme is in the middle of meeting all the region’s fire chiefs and station tours.

“I want to hear directly from them, what are their thoughts and concerns, and what their departmental needs are.”

Homme is presently working out of the Flagstaff County Administration building in Sedgewick, where FRESS has contracted the use of an office and associated services from Flagstaff County, but he is employed by the Society.

“The board has empowered me to build FRESS from the ground up,” he says.

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Leslie Cholowksy,
Editor