Red Deer City Council affirmed its full confidence in Emergency Services Chief Ken McMullen, Deputy Chief Tyler Pelke, Deputy Chief Curtis Schaefer, Deputy Chief Chris Kearns and the leadership team within Red Deer Emergency Services (RDES), passing a formal resolution (March 10, 2025 - City Council Resolution (pdf)) at today’s regular Council meeting.
The resolution reinforces Council’s support for Emergency Services leadership, budget decisions, and a newly adopted staffing model implemented within emergency services starting in January.
"Public safety remains our highest priority," said Mayor Ken Johnston. "City Council has every confidence in the decisions being made by Chief McMullen and our Emergency Services leadership team. They are balancing operational needs with financial responsibility while ensuring Red Deer remains well protected. This resolution sends a clear message that we stand behind our leadership team and the work they do every day to serve our city."
City Council’s resolution follows recent discussions regarding emergency services staffing and budget adjustments, as well as a vote of non-confidence and censure that IAFF Local 1190 is believed to have conducted. Currently, IAFF Local 1190 has not formally notified The City of Red Deer about the outcome or details of the vote.
It is important to note that:
- Votes of non-confidence and censure do not carry legal or operational authority; they do not mandate leadership changes or administrative actions.
- These votes are commonly used during times of change or contract negotiations to express dissatisfaction.
- They do not indicate a reduction in public safety or emergency response standards. Emergency Services in Red Deer continues to meet all legally required standards.
In 2024, Red Deer Emergency Services had the highest per capita overtime costs in Alberta, exceeding $3.2 million. As part of the 2025 budget process, City Council approved a $600,000 reduction in overtime spending within Emergency Services through dynamic staffing. This was one of numerous cost adjustments made to address an $18 million shortfall in The City’s budget. Key facts regarding The City’s emergency response:
- The City continues to meet or exceed provincial and national response times and staffing guidelines.
- Mutual aid agreements are in place, ensuring additional resources are available if needed for large-scale incidents, such as multi-family dwellings.
- No fire stations have permanently closed, and staffing levels remain in compliance with all legally required standards.
- No firefighter jobs have been eliminated.
- Public safety remains intact, and emergency response services continue to operate across the city.
"Our Emergency Services leadership team has and continues to make responsible, data-driven decisions that balance operational needs with our current financial realities," said City Manager Tara Lodewyk. "Council’s resolution today reinforces that we have the right team in place, making difficult decisions that are right for our community as we work to ensure Red Deer continues to be protected today and going forward.”
The City of Red Deer remains committed to ongoing dialogue with IAFF Local 1190 and emergency services personnel. To facilitate these conversations:
- Labour Relations Management Meetings are in place between The City of Red Deer and IAFF Local 1190, providing a structured forum for ongoing, solution-focused discussions.
- Chief McMullen and the Emergency Services leadership team continue to maintain an open-door policy, encouraging employees to connect directly with leadership to share concerns and feedback.
The City of Red Deer will continue to monitor emergency services staffing and response data. City administration will also provide regular factual updates to address public concerns and counter misinformation regarding service levels and staffing adjustments. For more information about Emergency Services – Dynamic Staffing, visit www.reddeer.ca.
More information about the 2025 Budget can also be found on the City’s website at www.reddeer.ca/budget2025.