Ryan Sneath, a veteran paramedic with more than two decades of experience, has been appointed as the new chief of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service. The announcement was made on June 23, 2026, following a competitive selection process.
Background and Experience
Sneath began his career as a paramedic in Winnipeg in 2004 and has held various leadership roles within the service, including superintendent of operations and deputy chief. He has been instrumental in implementing advanced life support programs and improving response times across the city.
“I am honoured to lead the dedicated men and women of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service,” Sneath said in a statement. “Our team is committed to providing exceptional emergency care to our community, and I look forward to building on our successes.”
Community Response
Mayor Scott Gillingham praised the appointment, noting Sneath’s deep understanding of the service’s operations. “Ryan’s leadership will ensure that Winnipeg continues to have a world-class emergency response system,” Gillingham said. The mayor highlighted Sneath’s role in coordinating the city’s response to the 2025 wildfire season, which saw over $350 million in provincial costs.
Sneath replaces former chief John Lane, who retired earlier this year. The transition comes as the service faces increasing demand, with call volumes rising by 12% over the past five years.
Future Priorities
Sneath outlined his priorities, including enhancing mental health support for first responders, expanding community paramedicine programs, and integrating new technologies like real-time data analytics for dispatch. He also emphasized the importance of collaboration with regional health authorities to address opioid overdoses, which have surged 18% in Winnipeg since 2024.
“We need to be proactive, not just reactive,” Sneath said. “That means investing in prevention and building stronger partnerships across the healthcare system.”
