INFORMATION RELEASE

The Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS) is pleased to announce the appointment of Tyler Decker as Assistant Fire Chief for the Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department (KDVFD), effective August 1, 2026. The appointment reflects Decker’s experience, leadership, and commitment to serving the community.

A dedicated member of KDVFD for more than 13 years, Decker previously served as a captain with the department and brings extensive operational experience and leadership to his new role. As Assistant Fire Chief, Decker will work with the Deputy Fire Chief to oversee all aspects of department administrative and operational leadership.

“The Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department is built on the dedication, experience, and professionalism of its leadership team and fire services personnel,” said RDOS Chair Mark Pendergraft. “This appointment recognizes that strength and reinforces the department’s capacity to protect and serve the community now and into the future.”

The RDOS has responsibility for eight (8) fire departments and is committed to maintaining safe, effective, and well-coordinated fire services. The Manager of Regional Fire Services works with department leadership teams to support regional coordination, ensure compliance with WorkSafeBC requirements, maintain training and operational standards, and advance strategic initiatives across the Regional District.

Information session
The Regional District is hosting an online public information session on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. The online format enables residents and property owners from across all electoral areas to participate and access information, including those outside the region. 

The RDOS Chief Administrative Officer, Senior Manager of Protective Services, and Manager of Regional Fire Services will attend the information session to provide updates and answer questions related to regional fire service coordination and operations.

Members of the RDOS Board of Directors have been invited to observe the session; however, operational matters remain the responsibility of staff and will be addressed by the administration and fire services leadership team.

Information session
Date: Wednesday, August 19, 2026
Time: 6:30 to 8:00 pm

Join the presentation by visiting: rdos.webex.com
Webinar password: RD@S (7317 from phones)
Join the audio conference only via telephone: 1-833-311-4101 Canada toll-free
Or watch the information session on the RDOS YouTube channel.

Send questions through the Webex chat function during the session.

Send questions via email to communications@rdos.bc.ca.

If you do not have access to email, questions can be submitted in advance by calling RDOS Communications at 250-490-4148. 

Residents, property owners, and members of the media are encouraged to follow official RDOS communication channels for the latest information regarding fire protection services.

For further information, please contact RDOS Communications.

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Mark Pendergraft, RDOS Chair
Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen 

Contact:

RDOS Communications
250-490-4148
Toll-free 1-877-610-3737

Board Correspondence: info@rdos.bc.ca | 101 Martin Street, Penticton, BC, V2A 5J9

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(l to r) Deborah Jones-Middleton, RDOS Senior Manager of Protective Services; Tyler Decker, Assistant Fire Chief, Keremeos and District Volunteer Fire Department; Tony Iannella, RDOS Manager of Regional Fire Services