Alan Bowbrick Passes the Torch After 23 Years with Town of Brome Lake’s First Responders

After 23 years of service—including eight years as team leader—Alan Bowbrick is stepping down from his leadership role with the Town of Brome Lake’s First Responders. His successor, Stéphanie Corbière, will officially take over in March 2025.

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A New Role, Not a Goodbye

Although stepping down from the leadership position, Alan isn’t leaving the team.

“I wanted to hand over when the team was strong and a capable new leader was ready. That time has come.
For my remaining three years, I want to focus on teaching and supporting team members. I can do that best from a coaching perspective rather than a managerial one.”

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Sharing a Lifetime of Experience

Alan believes his most valuable contribution now lies in mentoring and preparing others for the realities of emergency response.

“The trauma people experience in these situations is shaped as much by how those around them react as by the injury, heart attack, or stroke itself,” he says.
“For a First Responder, staying calm and empathetic is just as important as applying technical expertise.”

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Staying Calm in Crisis

How does he manage to remain so composed in the face of severe injuries?

“I don’t see the blood,” he explains.
“In an emergency, it’s as if I’m watching a black-and-white film—I focus only on the problems and the situation at hand.
It’s afterward that the emotional impact sets in.”

To help his team cope with that impact, Alan insists on holding a debriefing after every call, providing a safe space for processing emotions and sharing experiences.

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A Life of Service

When asked what being a First Responder means to him, Alan’s response was heartfelt:

“Apart from my wife and children, being part of this team is the greatest honor of my life.”

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