Director of Protective Services

Richard Vallée began his career in public safety in 2000 when he joined the Cochrane Volunteer Fire Brigade. Rising through the ranks, he became Fire Chief and was later appointed Director of Protective Services for the Town of Cochrane, where he continues to serve as both Fire Chief and Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC).

Since 2006, Richard has played a key role in hosting fire and flood evacuees in Cochrane, first as CEMC Alternate and later as CEMC. He has been an active leader in emergency management programs, serving three terms as co-chair of the Albany Sector and contributing to committees such as the JEMS agreement review.

Richard holds a Business Administration diploma from Canadore College, along with professional accreditations for both Fire Chief and Chief Building Official. In 2019, he was appointed Fire Coordinator for the Cochrane District by the Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management, reflecting his extensive northern experience and leadership in fire services.

His dedication has been recognized with several honors: the Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner’s Citation for Bravery (2015), the Governor General’s 20-Year Exemplary Fire Service Medal, and Ontario’s Fire Services Long Service Medal for 25 years of service.