City of Miramichi Strengthens Fire Protection Services with Addition of New Firefighters
From left: IAFF Local 5087 Executive Secretary Corey Shaddick, City of Miramichi CAO Greg Sargent, Human Resources Director Mandi Grantmyre, Mayor Adam Lordon, IAFF Local 5087 Vice President Wally MacTavish, Miramichi Fire Department Chief Stephen Melanson. (City of Miramichi photo)
Miramichi, NB - [April 14, 2026] - The City of Miramichi is pleased to announce the addition of eight (8) full time and two (2) part time firefighters to the Miramichi Fire Department, marking a significant investment in public safety and emergency response capacity.
This expansion reflects the City’s ongoing commitment to ensuring reliable, high quality fire protection services for residents across all areas of the city. While recent infrastructure challenges, including the temporary closure of the Centennial Bridge, have added urgency and placed additional demands on municipal services, this decision also responds to the long-standing evaluation of staffing needs and level of service within the department.
The Province of New Brunswick has provided funding to the City of Miramichi to assist in mitigating service impacts related to the bridge closure. This support has enabled the City to move forward with these important hires as part of a broader effort to strengthen emergency response capabilities.
Mayor Adam Lordon emphasized the importance of continued investment in public safety:
“The safety of our residents is always our top priority. These additional firefighters will enhance our ability to respond quickly and effectively across the city. While we are navigating current infrastructure challenges, this investment reflects a broader commitment to building a strong and resilient Miramichi.”
Chief Administrative Officer Greg Sargent noted that the initiative represents both an operational improvement and a step forward in strengthening working relationships:
“This is an important step in strengthening our fire service and supporting the dedicated professionals who serve our community every day. It also reflects a renewed approach to how we work together, one grounded in trust, transparency and mutual respect. By focusing on the needs of our residents and supporting our staff, we are building a stronger municipal public service.”
He added that the City will continue to evaluate service delivery needs as conditions evolve:
“These additions ensure that our community remains well protected, while also allowing the City to continue assessing and refining the appropriate level of service over time.”
IAFF Local 5087 President Jason Brennan welcomed the agreement as a positive step toward enhancing safety and collaboration:
"This increase in staffing sends a strong message that the City and its firefighters can work together to identify and address critical needs related to the safety of both firefighters and the community we serve. We commend Mayor, Council, City management, Fire Chief Melanson, and all of our members for reaching this agreement. This milestone represents meaningful progress and marks a step forward that we have long advocated for. We are confident this progress reflects continued progress through professional dialogue and development based on community needs and risks."
The City views this as a foundational step in strengthening both service delivery and its working relationship with the Miramichi Fire Department, with a shared commitment to continuous improvement and community safety. Recruitment for the new positions will begin immediately.
For more information, please contact:
Gail Harding
gail.harding@miramichi.org