Halifax’s fire chief is retiring after eight years of service and recent calls from the union of firefighters for him to step down.

Ken Stuebing, the Executive Director and Chief of Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency, will be replaced by Deputy Chief Dave Meldrum as the acting chief and director until the hiring process is finished. Stuebing will retire on Dec. 1, according to a news release.

Mayor Andy Fillmore thanked Stuebing for his time and dedication.

“During his tenure, Chief Stuebing led our firefighters through critical emergencies, including the 2023 Upper Tantallon and Hammonds Plains wildfire.”

The Halifax firefighters union previously told our newsroom that they would try and bring up issues with Stuebing, but they continued to see what union president Brendan Meagher called a “growing indifference” over member’s concerns.

“We’ve seen him tolerate behavior from managers that no workplace would think is acceptable. So, you know, it’s a combination of so many things,” says Meagher. “We need an actual leader that shows care and concern for the communities and the people that provide the service as well.”