August 22, 2025 – It is with sadness that the District of Sicamous shares the news of former Fire Chief Brett Ogino’s passing on August 20, 2025.
Brett joined the Sicamous Fire Department in 1995, became fire chief in 2003 and went on to serve as the district’s first full-time fire chief in 2016 before retiring in 2024.
“This is a significant loss for our community, and it is with great respect and appreciation that we reflect on the contributions Brett made to Sicamous and to our organization over his 28 years of service,” says Mayor Colleen Anderson. “Our thoughts are with Brett’s wife, Vivian, and his friends and family.”
Brett was a community champion and protector, responding to some of the largest interface fires in B.C.’s history. Throughout his career, Brett accepted a variety of awards including an Emergency Management B.C. award in 2018 and the B.C. Long Service Medal in recognition of his 25 years of fire service.
“Fire Chief Ogino led with calmness, proficiency and camaraderie,” says District of Sicamous Fire Chief Lorenzo De Arcangelis. “He was always a strong presence in the fire hall and will always remain in our hearts, leaving a lasting mark on both the fire service and the Sicamous community as a whole.”
Brett’s involvement in wildfire mitigation, public safety education and emergency response training only scratches the surface of the time, energy and effort that he shared with the Sicamous community throughout his life. Brett will be remembered for his calm leadership, commitment to mentorship and deep care for the safety of residents.
“On behalf of district staff, I extend our condolences to the family and friends of former Fire Chief Brett Ogino,” says chief administrative officer Dean Strachan. “His many years of dedicated service and the lasting contributions he made to community safety will continue to be felt and appreciated by all of the people of Sicamous."
The thoughts of mayor, council and staff at the District of Sicamous are with all those who knew and cared for Brett. The flags at the Sicamous Fire Department and Municipal Hall will be flown at half mast in mourning and in honour of Brett’s enduring service to our community.
