Winnipeg, MB – After nearly 33 years of service with the City of Winnipeg, Fire and Paramedic Chief Christian Schmidt has announced his retirement, effective July 3, 2026.
“I want to thank Chief Schmidt for his service to the City of Winnipeg,” said Mayor Scott Gillingham. “He has been an innovative leader, guiding the WFPS through a period of real modernization, from new facilities and equipment to the implementation of a more advanced dispatch system that is improving how we respond to calls. Just as importantly, he has led with a collaborative approach, working with partners across the system to deliver better service for Winnipeggers. He leaves the department in a strong position for the future, and I wish him all the best in retirement.”
Schmidt joined the City in 1993 and served in a wide range of roles throughout his distinguished career, including Paramedic, Communications Officer, Staff Inspector, Superintendent, Assistant Platoon Chief, Assistant Chief, and Deputy Chief. He was appointed Fire and Paramedic Chief in 2021.
“Chief Schmidt has guided the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service with steady leadership during a period of significant change and growing service demands. His leadership has made a lasting impact on the service and the community,” said Councillor Vivian Santos, Chairperson of the Standing Policy Committee on Community Services. “I want to sincerely thank him for his years of dedicated service and congratulate him on his well-earned retirement.”
Schmidt led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and helped secure a new five-year paramedicine contract with Shared Health Manitoba, including the addition of two new ambulances and 20 new paramedic positions.
During his tenure, Schmidt also supported the opening of two new fire-paramedic stations in Winnipeg – Windsor Park and the temporary Waverley West station – and oversaw the transition from a two-priority dispatch system to a five-priority system to improve response efficiency.
He also supported the addition of 40 new firefighter positions in 2026 and 2027 through flexible staffing as part of a Resource Pool. This investment strengthens the department’s ability to respond to growing service demands during a period of record call volumes and increasingly complex emergency incidents.
In addition to his service to the City of Winnipeg, Schmidt contributed to the broader profession through his involvement on the Board of Directors for the Paramedic Chiefs of Canada and other advocacy efforts. He is also a member of the Manitoba Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Chiefs, and the Metropolitan Chiefs.
A thorough and competitive recruitment process will be undertaken to select Winnipeg’s next Fire and Paramedic Chief.