04/23/2026
Leadership Update – A New Chapter for Our Fire Department
After more than 5 years as Fire Chief and over 14 years of dedicated service to the community, Fire Chief Tony Iannella has formally resigned from the role of Fire Chief to take on his new position as Manager of Regional Fire Services for the Regional District of Okanagan-Similkameen (RDOS).
During Tony’s tenure as Fire Chief, the department experienced significant growth and improvement, including:
The purchase of a used type 5 bush truck achieved with wildfire revenues
The acquisition of a used water tender that generated over $200,000 in revenues
The construction of a brand-new water tender, fully funded through grants, which will contribute to insurance ratings for the next 30 years
Extensive fire hall renovations, including the addition of a new bay, an upper floor, and a new septic field. These upgrades also included making the building FireSmart, all completed using grant funding
When the community was threatened by wildfire 3 years ago, Tony stepped into the role of BC Wildfire Service Task Force Leader, working countless hours with the fire crews over a 14-day deployment to help protect Willowbrook and the surrounding area.
In addition to leaving the Fire Chief role, Tony also steps away from his positions as Keremeos & District VFD Fire Chief, BCWS Task Force Leader and Protective Services Coordinator for the RDOS, transitioning into a regional leadership role where he will now oversee fire services for all eight RDOS fire departments.
Tony has shared that it has been an indescribable pleasure to serve the amazing community of Willowbrook which he proudly calls home, and while he will be missed locally, we are proud to see him move into a role that will strengthen fire services across the entire region.
The fire department will continue to thrive under current leadership:
Erin Iannella, current Deputy Chief and Senior Training Officer, will move into the role of Deputy Chief of Operations, continuing to lead the fire department on a daily basis
A new Deputy Chief of Administration position is being created and is expected to be filled soon, helping to share the ever‑increasing workload placed on our fire departments
We thank Tony for his years of leadership, commitment, and service, and we wish him every success in this important new role. The future of the Willowbrook Fire Department remains strong.
