James M. Paterson – Yukon Territory Provincial Coordinator – Whitehorse
Whitehorse International Airport (YXY) Fire Dept. 75 Barley Grow – Cres Whitehorse, Yukon Y1A 0A1 CANADA
James is the Chief of Fire and Rescue Operations for the Erik Nielsen Whitehorse Int’l Airport Fire Department. Having served with four separate fire departments (two ARFF, two structural) and one EMS unit, Chief Paterson has 2 years on the job; 15 years in ARFF and 7 as the Chief of the Department. Chief Paterson has trained all over North American counts DFW Int’l Airport Fire Dept. as his Home Away from Home”. A lead from the front Chief, Paterson is a strong proponent of firefighter physical fitness from the top down. Having competed in the Scott Firefighter Combat Challenge circuit for years, Chief Paterson has a strong believe that all firefighters, regardless of age or rank, must be physically able to drag hose and throw ladders at a moments notice in order to better serve their team. His fire department priorities are fitness, training and equipment. All three of which must be in exceptional condition to effectively do the job. He believes that the right firefighter, with the right training, equipment and fitness level in the right place at the right time, can make all the difference in the world to our clients we are sworn to protect. Chief Paterson has recently been promoted to the rank of Deputy Fire Marshall for the Yukon Territory, and will transition to that assignment effective May 2013.
