Firefighters never die; they burn forever in the hearts of the people whose lives they've touched.
Just over a year after retiring, long-serving former Sicamous FIre Rescue Chief Brett Ogino died on Wednesday, Aug. 20, leaving a void in the community.
Ogino joined the Sicamous Fire Department in 1995 and ranked up to chief by 2003. He became the district's first full-time chief in 2016 before retiring last year. In his almost 30-year career, Ogino worked closely with other agencies during emergencies, including the BC Wildfire Service and the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD).
"I have so many great memories of working with Brett. His dedication to his team and the residents of Sicamous was unquestionable. His passion for the job was inspirational," Regional Fire Chief Sean Coubrough said in a social media post. "Our time together included many smiles and laughter. I鈥檒l miss you brother."
CSRD Ppotective services manager Derek Sutherland added "I鈥檓 incredibly saddened by the loss of my brother, colleague and friend. Sicamous has lost a dedicated and caring member of its community."
A community champion and protector, Ogino responded to some of the largest wildfires in B.C. history, and was recognized with a number of awards throughout his career. That included an Emergency Management B.C. award in 2018, and the B.C. Long Service Medal after 25 years of service.
鈥淔ire Chief Ogino led with calmness, proficiency and camaraderie,鈥� current district Fire Chief Lorenzo De Arcangelis said in a media release. 鈥淗e was always a strong presence in the fire hall and will always remain in our hearts, leaving a lasting mark on both the fire service and the Sicamous community as a whole.鈥�
In addition to Ogino's work in fire mitigation, public safety education and emergency response training, he contributed so much more with energy and effort to the community. He'll be remembered for his calm leadership, mentorship and commitment to public safety.
鈥淥n behalf of district staff, I extend our condolences to the family and friends of former Fire Chief Brett Ogino,鈥� chief administrative officer Dean Strachan said in the release. 鈥淗is many years of dedicated service and the lasting contributions he made to community safety will continue to be felt and appreciated by all of the people of Sicamous."
The flags at the district office and Sicamous Fire Rescue will be flown at half mast in honour of Ogino and his enduring impact on the community.
