Pascal

We are proud to announce the appointment of Deputy Chief @DeputyHiltz as our newest Deputy! #yyj #wearevicpd @ChiefVicPD

Very proud to share this announcement! Natalie is an exceptional leader who brings deep operational experience, strong academic grounding and steady, values-driven leadership. I am excited to welcome her to Victoria and to the @vicpdcanada leadership team. #proudchief #leadership #luckyus @CityOfVictoria @EsquimaltBC

We are proud to announce the appointment of Deputy Chief @DeputyHiltz as our newest Deputy! #yyj #wearevicpd @ChiefVicPD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Line of Duty Death – Firefighter Alexandru Uichita Bridgetown Volunteer Fire Department – May 21, 2026 It is with profound sorrow and broken hearts that the Bridgetown Volunteer Fire Department announces the line of duty death of our brother, Firefighter Alexandru Uichita, age 40, who passed away on the evening of Thursday, May 21, 2026, during wildfire suppression operations in Moschelle, Annapolis County. While engaged in firefighting operations, Alex suffered a sudden medical episode. Members on scene responded immediately, but despite every effort, Alex could not be revived. He spent his final moments surrounded by his brothers and sisters in the fire service, serving the community he cared so deeply about. Alex joined our department on November 27, 2024, and had already become one of the most beloved members of our family. In that time, he left a mark on every single one of us. His charisma lit up every room he walked into. A quiet leader who was kind, dependable and his willingness to help – no matter the task, no matter the hour – was without limit. He was the kind of person who showed up, every time, for everyone. Alex had recently begun his Firefighter 1010 course through the Annapolis County Fire Service Association, and his dedication to growing as a firefighter reflected exactly who he was as a person – someone who always wanted to give more. We are devastated. There are no words adequate for the loss we are feeling today, and we know that feeling is shared by so many who had the privilege of knowing Alex. His loss is deeply felt by his fellow firefighters, his friends, and the wider community he served with such dedication and pride. The Bridgetown Volunteer Fire Department extends our deepest condolences to Alex’s beloved wife, their three young children and all of his loved ones. The department stands with them in grief and in gratitude for his service. We ask that the public please respect the privacy of his family during this incredibly difficult time as they begin to navigate life without him. The Bridgetown Volunteer Fire Department extends our deepest gratitude to the mutual aid departments and agencies who assisted with the medical care on scene alongside us: Annapolis Royal Volunteer Fire Department, Lawrencetown Volunteer Fire Department, Digby Volunteer Fire Department, Bear River Volunteer Fire Department, Emergency Health Services (EHS), the Department of Natural Resources and Renewables (DNRR) and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP). Your presence and support on scene and in the hours since has meant more to us than we can express. Our flags have been lowered to half-mast in honour of Firefighter Uichita, and we humbly ask that others do the same. Details regarding the memorial service and any related events will be shared once they are confirmed in consultation with the family. Those wishing to offer financial support to the family are asked to please note that all donations will be managed and collected by the Bridgetown Volunteer Fire Department through the department treasurer and leadership. No donations will be accepted through any crowdfunding or online donation platforms. Further donation instructions will be shared by the department directly. E-transfers can be sent to treasurer@bridgetownfire.ca, or cheques may be made payable to the Bridgetown Volunteer Fire Department, with 100% of all funds going directly to Alex’s family. Media inquiries may be directed to bridgetownfire@bridgetownfire.ca. Rest easy Alex, we’ll take it from here