Derek has worked in the public safety sector of local government for 21 years starting as a Park Ranger for the City of Edmonton and Firefighter for the City of Leduc.  Derek moved to the Town of Didsbury in Alberta where he was the Manager of Protective Services, responsible for Fire Services, Municipal Enforcement, Emergency Management and Occupational Health and Safety. In 2017 Derek completed a master’s degree in Disaster and Emergency Management. Derek moved to Salmon Arm BC in the spring of 2017 to start a position as Team Leader of Protective Services with the Columbia Shuswap Regional District (CSRD). The Protective Services Division of the CSRD is responsible for leadership of the 13 rural fire departments, three emergency programs (Shuswap, Revelstoke, and Golden), and the 911 delivery. As part of that role Derek Acts as the emergency operations centre director. The Shuswap is a rugged and beautiful area at risk from many natural hazards. Derek and his team have responded to major flooding, forest fires, and debris flows throughout his time with the regional district.

In 2023 Derek managed the evacuations from the Bush Creek East Fires in the North Shuswap where 177 homes were destroyed and another 50 were damaged within the CSRD areas. Derek has led the recovery since August of 2023.

Today Derek is the General Manager of Community and Protective Services for the CSRD including responsibility for Parks and Facilities in addition to the Protective Services division.