City appoints new Richmond Fire-Rescue Chief

26 April 2022

The City of Richmond has appointed Jim Wishlove as the new Chief of Richmond Fire-Rescue (RFR) effective May 1.

Wishlove, who has been an active fire fighter for over 30 years, takes over from Tim Wilkinson who recently announced his retirement as Chief of the department.

“Jim Wishlove has been a long-serving member of the Richmond Fire-Rescue team with a dedicated commitment to our community and emergency services colleagues,” said Mayor Malcolm Brodie. “Not only does he bring extensive experience and expertise to the position, but his knowledge and awareness of Richmond and our dedicated Fire-Rescue teams will be invaluable in their ongoing commitment to keep Richmond safe.”

Wishlove began his career in fire service as a volunteer firefighter before joining RFR in 1990. Since then, he has served as a firefighter, dispatcher, and instructor in several disciplines before his promotion to Deputy Chief in 2009.

In 2012, Wishlove took on a new role as Deputy Fire Chief for the City of New Westminster. He returned to RFR six years later to take on the role of Deputy Chief of Operations, overseeing the day-to-day operational duties of the emergency response crews delivering services to the community. As the new Chief of Richmond Fire-Rescue, Wishlove will oversee the business and operations of the City’s seven fire halls, their staff and equipment.

“I am honoured to take on this important role and the challenges and responsibilities that go with it,” said Wishlove. “I feel extremely proud to be part of such a fine organization. By embarking on this new journey, I look forward to supporting our staff as we continue to grow and ensure that we stay at the forefront of the very best of the professional fire service.”

Wishlove also praised his predecessor, retiring Chief Tim Wilkinson. “I extend my sincerest gratitude to Chief Wilkinson who gave me an incredible opportunity as a Deputy Chief, and for his mentorship and support,” he said. “I wish him good health and happiness in his retirement, and look forward to carrying on the outstanding work of our strong and incredibly capable RFR teams, to make Richmond – the community I also call home – even safer.”

A life-long BC resident, Wishlove has certifications from the Justice Institute, the Sauder School of Business, Capilano College and Simon Fraser University, and is a recipient of the City of Richmond’s Corporate University Award of Distinction in Leadership.

Wishlove is also an avid piper, having appeared on stage twice with Sir Paul McCartney during his Vancouver concerts, as well as playing his bagpipes for many local and community events in Richmond and the region.