Hero
Town of Riverview / News / Riverview mourns sudden passing of Deputy Fire Chief Mitch Short 
Portrait photo of Deputy Mitch Short wearing Riverview Fire and Rescue uniform.

Riverview mourns sudden passing of Deputy Fire Chief Mitch Short 

On Wednesday, December 15, 2021, the Town of Riverview lost a highly respected leader, colleague, husband, father, and friend. 

Deputy Mitch Short died in hospital on Wednesday evening surrounded by his family at the age of 57. 
 
“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. “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.” 

A respected veteran of the Riverview Fire and Rescue service, Deputy Short proudly 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.  

Residents who have visited Fire Prevention Week activities at the fire station over the years have seen first-hand Deputy Short’s care and commitment to instilling a life-long respect for fire safety to younger children. He was often seen holding the door open for kids to climb into ‘Little Albert’ Engine 11 ½, handing out colouring books and encouraging family conversations about fire safety. Deputy Short was also well known for his fire prevention videos that appeared on the department’s social media.   
 
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.  

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

Plans for funeral services will be shared as information becomes available. 
 

This site is powered by 100% renewable energy