Retired Surrey Fire Chief Larry Thomas has been recognized on the national stage, earning the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs’ Career Fire Chief of the Year Award for his outstanding leadership and decades of service.
In addition, Surrey Fire Services received the Firefighter Cancer Prevention Award, acknowledging its collaborative efforts to improve firefighter health and safety. Surrey City Council formally recognized both honours during its meeting on October 20.
Mayor Brenda Locke praised Thomas and the department for their dedication to the city’s safety and progress.
“On behalf of council, I want to congratulate retired Fire Chief Larry Thomas and our Surrey Fire Services for these well-deserved honours that reflect the department’s dedication to protecting our growing city,” said Mayor Locke.
Throughout his 36-year career, Thomas helped shape the department and championed initiatives that strengthened firefighting standards nationwide.
The Firefighter Cancer Prevention Award highlighted the department’s partnership with the Surrey Fire Fighters’ Association Local 1271, which developed a preventive health screening program. The initiative includes baseline blood testing, cancer prevention education, and lifestyle guidance focusing on nutrition and sleep health to reduce cancer risks.
New Fire Chief Jason Cairney, who succeeded Thomas on September 2, lauded his predecessor’s lasting impact.
“Chief Thomas’s legacy is one of integrity, innovation, and service,” Cairney said. “His leadership guided Surrey Fire Services through transformative initiatives, from emergency planning to opioid crisis response.”
Cairney added that the team remains committed to continuing this legacy of innovation and wellness as Surrey’s population continues to grow.
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