Two Lacombe firefighters have been recognized for their hard work and promoted to new leadership roles within the Lacombe Fire Department.
In a statement, Fire Chief Jason Fleming expressed his pride in the department’s continued commitment to developing leaders from within.
“I am pleased to announce the promotions of Deputy Fire Chief Mike Regier and Assistant Deputy Fire Chief Ryan Fauria, who have advanced through our ranks,” said Fleming. “These well-earned promotions highlight the dedication, skill and leadership that Mike and Ryan have shown in their careers.”
He added that their promotions reflect the department’s core belief in internal development, mentorship, and operational continuity.
A rapid rise for Regier
Regier first connected with the department in 2015 after attending a masquerade ball shortly after moving to Lacombe. He met a firefighter—also the previous owner of his home—who introduced him to the team.
After attending a truck check evening and experiencing the department’s “family feeling,” Regier decided to get involved.
“I started to get my interest into serving my community, and I joined in January 2016 as a recruit and started training from there,” he said.
In his new role as Deputy Chief of Operations and Training, Regier leads Tuesday evening training sessions, oversees equipment and truck inspections on Thursdays, and ensures recruits are certified under National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) standards.
His promotion marks a quick transition from his previous position as assistant deputy chief—a role he held just last year.
“I transitioned from being a paid-on-call captain, member of the floor, to being deputy chief,” he said. “It was just a year of time.”
Despite the short timeline, he said the experience was invaluable.
“Within that time of being a full-time member in the department, I’ve learned a lot about the way the fire service runs on the office side of things—the procurement of equipment and applications of certain training through municipal affairs.”
Fauria follows a family legacy
Ryan Fauria, the department’s new Assistant Deputy Chief, has been with Lacombe Fire since 2006 and says firefighting runs in the family.
“My grandfather was a fire department member for 25 years in his hometown in Nova Scotia, so it kind of gave me that want to give back to the community and support everybody around,” he said.
Fauria worked his way up through the ranks—first as a firefighter, then as a paid-on-call lieutenant and captain—before joining full-time.
In his current role, he focuses on fire prevention and supporting department training.
One of the department’s growing priorities is youth fire education, with plans to expand programming in local schools.
As part of Lacombe Days, the department will host a free BBQ at the fire hall following the parade. Fire prevention activities and a live demonstration will also be offered.
“We’re going to have a stove with some hot oil on it, and we’ll give a presentation on not putting water on a grease fire,” said Fauria.
Visit the Lacombe Fire Department website for more information.
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