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RANKIN INLET - The community of Rankin Inlet has its first paid professional Inuk fire chief in hamlet history.

Ambrose Karlik, 34, accepted the position this past week after former chief Alan Stebbing took a new position in Hudson's Hope, B.C.

Former Rankin Inlet fire chief Alan Stebbing, left, congratulates new chief Ambrose Karlik and wishes him luck in his new position this past week in Rankin. - Darrell Greer/NNSL photo

Stebbing, 26, spent 30 months as Rankin's fire chief and said his time in the community was a great learning experience.

"I have nothing but the highest praise for all the firefighters I worked with on a regular basis in Rankin," said Stebbing.

"Rankin is a warm community, and I got to do a lot of interesting things here and meet some great people.

"I hope I had a positive impact on the community."

Stebbing said he's proud to have been given the opportunity to lead the extraordinary group of firefighters in Rankin.

He said everyone in the community should be proud of their local fire department.

"The members are very professional and dedicated, and that shows when you look at the fire statistics for the community.

"I leave with a very high level of confidence in chief Karlik's ability to lead the Rankin department.

"He has 16 years' experience, having worked his way up from a volunteer firefighter to a lieutenant, captain, deputy chief and ultimately the chief's position.

"I'm confident Ambrose will become a fantastic fire chief for Rankin."

Karlik said he's been working towards the chief's position for a number of years.

He said when the hamlet offered him the opportunity to become its third paid fire chief, he jumped at the opportunity.

"I've worked at the arena for a number of years now, while I increased my skills as a firefighter, and I'm looking forward to the challenge of a new position," said Karlik.

"I'm confident I can maintain the high standards set by my predecessors, and I'm looking forward to working with senior administrative officer Paul Waye and hamlet council.

"I'm confident in our department's abilities and I will continue to push for more training for our members.

"This is a big step for me and I look forward to meeting the challenge."