Fire Chief Darby Allen speaks at seventh annual Hope in the City Breakfast

Fire Chief Darby Allen gave an inspiring keynote address this morning at the seventh annual Hope in the City Leadership Breakfast. The event drew over 300 business people to the Westin Halifax, for a morning of networking, entertainment and education about the work The Salvation Army is doing in Halifax.

In spring 2016, Darby spearheaded the evacuation of Fort McMurray’s entire population. Throughout the ensuing weeks of operations, he worked tirelessly with first responders and volunteers, who came from across the nation (and globe) to assist.  Darby Allen’s inspiring story of courage during the Fort McMurray fires speaks to The Salvation Army’s mission of encouraging hope perseverance in the face of adversity.

“I’m a believer that it’s the little decisions that make the difference, not the big ones,” says Allen.  “Be proud of the little things that you’re doing, even if they doesn’t seem important.  The Salvation Army is effective because they are doing the little things, to the best of their abilities, all the time. Do your part; do it well.”

His updates to the media were not only a means of reliable information, but a source of optimism—Darby provided calm reassurance as the lead spokesperson throughout the rescue efforts.  Known as the face of the Alberta wildfires—and widely celebrated as a national hero—Darby Allen is an example of selfless courage and level-headedness under pressure.

“People are important,” says Allen.  “That’s what I’ve based my career on.  People are more important than anything else.”

The event also featured CTV Atlantic’s Steve Murphy, who returned for the seventh consecutive year as emcee.