Assistant Chief Doug Wegren assumed the role of Saskatoon fire chief, effective May 16. Chief Wegren replaced Morgan Hackl who retired in March after 36 years of service with the Saskatoon Fire Department (STD). “Doug is a strong and collaborative leader who has built close ties with the Saskatoon community,” Jeff Jorgenson, city manager, said in a news release. “He has an impressive 25-year career at SFD, progressing through increasing levels of job responsibility and accountability. Through his work at SFD, he has developed strong relationships with colleagues and community partners and demonstrated exceptional leadership across all areas of the fire service.”

Wegren attended the University of Saskatchewan, graduating in 1994 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education, and later received his Fire Service Administration certificate and Fire Service Leadership certificate from Dalhousie University. In 1999, Wegren started his career with SFD as a firefighter and EMT. He progressed through the ranks, taking on a variety of roles and responsibilities, including F.I.R.E. Cadet Instructor, Fire Service Instructor, Restorative Action Lead, Assistant Chief of Logistics, and acting fire chief. Wegren also played an active role in the City’s emergency COVID response. He participated in the City of Saskatoon’s Emergency Command Centre, Emergency Management Operations planning section, SFD’s Tactical Operations Centre, and engaged with the vulnerable sector.

“I am humbled by the opportunity to lead such an esteemed fire service in the community that I call home,” Wegren said in the release. “As the new fire chief, I am committed to working collaboratively with our partners and all orders of government to meet the evolving needs of our community.

“It is an honour to work with the exceptional individuals at SFD, and I am excited to lead a dedicated team in providing emergency response to the residents of Saskatoon and the surrounding area.”