Doug Wegren has been named Saskatoon's new fire chief

Saskatoon has a new fire chief.

The Saskatoon Fire Department announced that Assistant Chief Doug Wegren will assume the role starting Thursday.

He replaces Morgan Hackl, who retired in March after 36 years with the department.

Wegren began his fire service career in 1999 as a firefighter and paramedic. He said he is humbled by the opportunity to lead a respected fire service.

“As the new fire chief, I am committed to working with our partners and all government agencies,” Wegren said in a news release.

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Wegren has served in numerous leadership positions within the fire department and played an active role in the city's COVID-19 emergency response.

“Doug is a strong and collaborative leader who has built strong relationships with the Saskatoon community,” Saskatoon City Manager Jeff Jorgenson said in a statement.

“He has had an impressive 25-year career with SFD, progressing through increasing professional responsibility and accountability. Through his work at SFD, he has developed strong relationships with colleagues and community partners and demonstrated exceptional leadership skills in all areas of the fire service.”