Riverview Announces Sudden Death Of Deputy Fire Chief

Offers of condolences and sympathies are making their way around the Town of Riverview after the passing of Deputy Fire Chief Mitch Short, who died in hospital on Wednesday evening at the age of 57.

Flags at Riverview Fire and Rescue and Riverview Town Hall are at half-mast in honour of Deputy Short.

“As a tight-knit community, Deputy Short’s passing will be felt by many over the coming weeks while we process the devastating loss of an esteemed leader, a dedicated public servant and friend,” said Riverview Mayor Andrew J. LeBlanc in a statement.

“We extend our deepest sympathies and unwavering support to the Short family including his wife Patti and daughters Sarah and Emily while they grieve, and to his cherished colleagues in the fire service.”

In the statement, the Town said Short served for 31 years. He was hired as a paramedic/firefighter in 1990 later reaching the rank of captain. In 2014, Short was promoted to Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention, where he became a familiar face in the community delivering impassioned safety talks in local schools, seniors’ homes, door-to-door residential visits and through the YouTube channel he developed to educate virtually over the last few years. As the town’s fire inspector, Deputy Short also forged many important relationships with the business community.

“Deputy Short was held in the highest regard by the staff and volunteers of Riverview Fire and Rescue, and by all those in the firefighting community who had the honour of knowing him. He touched the lives of many people,” said Fire Chief Robin True in the town’s statement.

The statement mentions in his personal time, “Deputy Short was an avid explorer and often shared with excitement the news of his upcoming travel plans. He loved being on the water boating, biking and spending time with his beloved wife Patti and daughters Sarah Steeves (Jonathan) and Emily Short.”

According to the town, plans for funeral services will be shared as information becomes available.