Born in Northern Ireland, I came to Canada in 1983 at the age of 25. I moved to Burnaby in 1988, the same year I joined the Burnaby Fire Department. I was first elected to the council as mayor in 2018 and have enjoyed serving the city since. Affordable housing and community wellness and access have been some of my priorities. Previously, I was the Vice-President of the Burnaby Fire Fighters Association, then President, and also the BC Provincial Fire Fighters Associations' President. I received the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022. My wife Jennifer and I have three boys and a daughter.
I was born in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, in 1958 and came to Canada in 1983 at the young age of 25. Music and Gaelic football dominated my youth as did soccer which advanced me to a semi-professional league.
I first settled in Vancouver and moved to Burnaby in 1988. My wife, Jennifer, and I met in 1998 and we have three boys who are in elementary school. And, I have a daughter, who is attending Simon Fraser University.
I joined the Burnaby Fire Department in 1988. Throughout my career, I’ve held many positions–driver; technical rescue team member; hazardous material specialist; instructor; Lieutenant, Captain, and Acting Assistant Chief.
I was the Vice-President of the Burnaby Fire Fighters Association from 1996 – 2001 and the President from 2001 – 2009. I was also the President of the BC Provincial Fire Fighters Association from 2008 – 2016.
As President of the Professional Fire Fighters’ Burn Fund, I led the effort to raise $15 million to build a facility that accommodates families and burn unit outpatients for Vancouver General Hospital and BC Children’s Hospital.
My second “home” is with the Burnaby Fire Fighters Charitable Society. The Society raises money for community groups and non-profit organizations which support more than 50 charities. Over $800,000 annually is given for bursaries and they operate a Nutritional Food Program that benefits kids at 26 elementary schools, four high schools, and four youth centres.
I was honoured to receive the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002, the Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and the Platinum Jubilee Medal in 2022.