New Chief Fire Marshal reminds residents to ‘spring forward’ safely this weekend

In a sure sign that spring is on the way, clocks are set to move one hour forward this weekend. The new Chief Fire Marshall of City of Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services is encouraging residents to spring into action and check residential smoke detectors.  

“Residential smoke detectors should be inspected twice a year to ensure they are in the best working order in the event of an emergency,” says Troy Hicks, Chief Fire Marshall. “To check your smoke detectors, ensure the expiry date is not within the next six months and swap out the batteries for news ones. If your smoke detector is more than 10 years-old, it should be replaced.” 

After serving for more than 12 years as a Fire Prevention Officer with Fire & Emergency Services, Hicks says he feels right at home reminding residents about how to be fire safe and aware. 

“I’m very excited to be promoted to this new position and continue to serve our community and work alongside the skilled and talented people of Lethbridge Fire & Emergency Services,” says Hicks. 

Serving his community and country has been a lifelong passion for Hicks. Before joining Fire & Emergency Services in 2011, Hicks served as an Army reservist in Saint John, New Brunswick, in 1991 before joining the regular forces in 1994. Following his deployment to Afghanistan in 2002, Hicks moved to the Air Force as a Firefighter in 2003 before several more deployments in Alberta and Ontario and even the North Pole.  

“I know the winter winds can be chilly in Lethbridge but there are definitely colder places to fight and investigate fires,” laughs Hicks. He served at the Canadian Forces Station Alert in the North Pole as the Deputy Fire Chief at the rank of Master Corporal in 2010 for six months. 

Lethbridge became home after meeting his wife, Jan, who invited him to the city to see where she grew up.  

“I really enjoyed that initial trip to Lethbridge and instantly connected with the area, the people and the community,” says Hicks. “I’m so grateful to have been part of this department for the past 12 years and have my dream job, serving the community I am proud to call home.”  

Hicks encourages residents to spend a few minutes making sure everyone in their home recognizes the sound of the smoke alarm and knows what to do in case of a fire. This time can also be used to remind your family about fire escape plans, how to use your fire extinguishers and where they are located. 

More information and resources on smoke alarms can be found by clicking here.  

For Public Inquiries: 

Call 311 | Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.