Press Release - Municipality of Brockton Announces Deputy Chief Glen Wilhelm’s Retirement and Transition to Deputy Chief Emeritus

Brockton, Ontario (February 10, 2026) - The Municipality of Brockton is pleased to recognize the outstanding contributions and long-standing service of Deputy Chief Glen Wilhelm of the Walkerton Fire Department, who will be retiring from his role as Deputy Chief effective July 1, 2026. Following his retirement, Glen will continue to support the department in the honorary role of Deputy Chief Emeritus.

As part of this transition, Council has approved the restructuring of the Deputy Chief position, and the Municipality will now begin the recruitment process for a full‑time Deputy Chief/Fire Prevention Officer. Glen will play a key advisory role in the onboarding and transition of the new full‑time Deputy Chief/Fire Prevention Officer, ensuring continuity, mentorship, and the sharing of his extensive operational knowledge.

Glen’s service to Brockton spans an extraordinary stretch of time. At the July 15, 2025 Council Meeting, Glen and fellow Walkerton Fire Department members were recognized for their contributions to the Municipality. Glen was honoured for an outstanding achievement—50 years of dedicated service. During the ceremony, Chris Wells, Director of Fire and Emergency Services, presented Glen with a Provincial Service Ribbon and service bar commemorating his five decades of commitment to public safety and the fire service.

“The Municipality is incredibly fortunate to have had the benefit of Glen’s experience, commitment, and professionalism for so many decades,” said Director Wells. “His leadership has shaped generations of firefighters, and his dedication to public safety has made a lasting impact on our community.”

Mayor Chris Peabody praised Glen’s remarkable career, “Deputy Chief Wilhelm has been a pillar of our fire service and a trusted leader in our community for half a century. His dedication, professionalism, and willingness to put others first have made Brockton a safer and stronger place. We are deeply grateful for his service and are honoured that he will continue to share his expertise as Deputy Chief Emeritus.”

The Municipality of Brockton proudly extends its heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to Deputy Chief Glen Wilhelm for his exemplary service, leadership, and unwavering dedication. We look forward to his continued contributions as Deputy Chief Emeritus and celebrate with him as he approaches an extraordinary milestone—52 years of service at the end of 2026. We also thank him sincerely for his guidance and support in ensuring a smooth transition for the department’s future leadership.

For more information please contact:

Sonya Watson, Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of Brockton
Email the CAO or Call 519-881-2223 Ext. 126
Brockton.ca