After over 25 years of service, Castlegar’s Fire Chief Sam Lattanzio is hanging up his helmet.
Lattanzio’s retirement was announced during the March 31 Castlegar City Council meeting, prompting several emotional tributes from staff and councillors thanking him for his service.
Lattanzio began his firefighting career in 1993 with the Kootenay Boundary Regional Fire Service in Montrose.
He joined the Castlegar Fire Department in 1997 and worked his way up through the ranks, being appointed Deputy Chief in 2013 and then Fire Chief in 2017.
In total, Lattanzio has over 30 years of firefighting experience in the region, 28 of which were spent in Castlegar.
“Not many people know the level of commitment our fire chiefs, deputies, and firefighters give on any given night,” said CAO Chris Barlow.
“They may be paged out multiple times and then have to report to work every morning at 8:30 to pick up where they left off. That was no different with Sam. He had a lot of responsibilities as part of the senior leadership team, and he always, always made it in the next morning.”
Barlow emphasized Lattanzio’s calm and confident presence as fire chief, no matter the situation, adding that his pride in and love for the department have always been evident.
“We have been so lucky to have Sam as our chief. Sam, thank you for all you’ve done—especially for all those times when the community was asleep, and no one saw your sacrifices, yet you kept us safe. We now give you back to your wife and family, and we’re so thankful for your sacrifice as well.”
For Lattanzio, the end of his firefighting career feels bittersweet.
“Thank you to the city and, most importantly, to my members. It is emotional, but I am ready, and I am sure the city is going to be taken care of. I’ve really enjoyed my time as deputy fire chief, fire chief, and a member of the Castlegar Fire Department, and I know that the city is in good hands.”
Mayor Maria McFaddin, on behalf of city council, echoed Barlow’s comments, thanking Lattanzio for his dedication to keeping the community safe.
“We appreciate all of the work you have done for our city and the deep care you have shown in keeping us safe and leading your team. On behalf of the city and myself, I’m so thankful for you—thankful for your friendship over the last six years around this table and for always being a kind and warm presence from day one. It’s been wonderful to get to know you and to witness your passion for Castlegar.”
Lattanzio’s last day with the Castlegar Fire Department will be on April 11.
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