New fire chiefs for Alix and Clive bring more than 50 years of combined firefighting experience.
Lacombe County announced on Friday that Steve Zaytsoff has been appointed district fire chief for Clive and Corrie Anderson named district fire chief for Alix.
Zaytsoff takes over for his father Monte, Clive's fire chief for the last 33 years.
“The fire department has been part of my family for years,” said Steve Zaytsoff. “Since I was young, I always knew I wanted to be part of it.”
Steve’s firefighting journey began in 2004 through Lacombe Composite High School’s work experience program and by the age of 19 he had completed firefighting training at Lakeland College.
Over the years, he advanced through the ranks of the Clive Fire Department, serving as a firefighter, captain and deputy fire chief and is focused on expanding the department’s membership and enhancing its training programs..
He has also participated in provincial wildfire deployments, including deployments to Nordegg, Fox Creek, and most recently Swan Hills and Red Earth.
Anderson takes over for Darren Hiron, who has been with Alix Fire Department for 25 years, the last 10 as fire chief. He will continue to volunteer with Alix Medical First Response Team.
Anderson was motivated to become a firefighter in northwestern Ontario in 1992 following a close tragedy.
“A good friend of mine was in a fatal motor vehicle collision, and the way the local volunteers stepped up really left an impression on me,” said Anderson. “It made me realize I wanted to give back in the same way.”
Since then, he has held positions as firefighter, captain, and deputy chief across two departments. In addition to his volunteer roles, Corrie works in the oilfield industry as an operations manager and emergency responder.
When the opportunity arose to lead the Alix Fire Department, Corrie saw it as a natural next step in his service.
“This is how I give back,” said Anderson. “Some people coach sports or volunteer at clubs—this is my way of supporting the community.”
Lacombe County fire and emergency services manager Dave Bain said Zaytsoff and Anderson "exemplify the professionalism, dedication, and community spirit we value in our fire service leadership.
“Steve and Corrie have earned the respect of their peers through their experience and integrity, and I am confident they will continue to build strong, effective, and community-focused departments in Clive and Alix.”
