Flags at City of Courtenay facilities were flying at half-mast this week following the passing of longtime community leader and former fire chief, Lawrence Burns.

Burns was a well-known and respected figure in the Comox Valley.

He served as Courtenay’s first full-time Fire Chief from 1969 until his retirement in 1995, helping guide the department through years of growth, modernization, and training. Colleagues say his leadership helped shape the culture of the fire service locally, and his influence continues through the many members he mentored.

Beyond firefighting, Burns also dedicated years to local heritage preservation. He served on the Courtenay Heritage Commission, including many years as Chair, and was involved in numerous projects focused on protecting and promoting the region’s physical, social, and cultural history.

Burns received multiple honours over his lifetime, including the City’s highest civic recognition - the Freedom of the City - awarded to him in 1995.

More recently, Heritage BC recognized him with a Distinguished Service Award in 2020.

In 2022, Courtenay officially dedicated a naturalized green space on Hunt Road as Lawrence Burns Park in recognition of his lasting impact on the community.

To learn more, visit City of Courtenay.