Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service Chief Christian Schmidt is retiring. (CITY OF WINNIPEG / FILE)
Christian Schmidt is retiring as head of the Winnipeg Fire Paramedic Service after nearly 33 years with the city.
The city announced Schmidt’s retirement will take effect July 3, 2026.
Schmidt joined the department in 1993 and held a wide range of roles over his career, including paramedic, communications officer, and deputy chief, before being appointed chief in 2021.
Mayor Scott Gillingham credited Schmidt with modernizing the service, including upgrades to facilities and equipment and the implementation of a more advanced dispatch system.
“Just as importantly, he has led with a collaborative approach, working with partners across the system to deliver better service for Winnipeggers,” Gillingham said in a statement. “He leaves the department in a strong position for the future, and I wish him all the best in retirement.”
During his tenure, Schmidt led the department through the COVID-19 pandemic and helped secure a new five-year paramedicine contract that added two ambulances and 20 paramedic positions. He also supported the opening of new stations in Windsor Park and Waverley West, and oversaw the shift to a five-priority dispatch system aimed at improving response times.
The city says additional staffing investments are planned, including 40 new firefighter positions over 2026 and 2027 to help meet rising demand.
A recruitment process will be launched to find Schmidt’s successor.
