Wheatland regional deputy fire chief ready for action

By Sharon McLeay Times Contributor

Wheatland County has secured many talented employees in the past and their hire of regional deputy chief Mac de Beaudrap is just another coup.
de Beaudrap is no stranger to fire services or the Wheatland County area, as he previously served as fire chief in Strathmore. He has also worked in fire services for the Town of Cochrane and County of Rocky View. His firefighting career experience extends to many communities all over Alberta, and his reason for accepting the job at Wheatland County is simple.
“I sought out this position,” said de Beaudrap. “I love the area and the people.”
The deputy chief position is a new designation for Wheatland County fire administration. de Beaudrap said he is looking forward to challenges as they present themselves, and expects his position will help expedite smooth interactions in response to ratepayer needs.
“There has been a lot of change in this fire service and I think there is still a great opportunity for growth,” he said.
de Beaudrap currently reports to regional fire chief Judy Unsworth and he is responsible for training, fire inspections, fire investigations and public education. Wheatland West and Carseland fire crews are cooperatively supervised under his direction.
de Beaudrap said he looks forward to working with the teams and assisting in their professional growth opportunities. He said there is a strong group of collaborative partners in the current municipal mutual aid agreements and he expects those agreements will serve southern Alberta well. He is impressed with the current administration and said pieces are in place to move the department forward to meet future challenges.
“We have all the right people in place to deal with any change that comes our way,” said de Beaudrap.