Coaldale has been Jacen Abrey’s home since 1982, when he first met his wife, Kim. They have been married for over three decades and are proud parents to four daughters—Kandace, Darcee, Raegan, and Kaci. Today, Coaldale is home to three generations of Jacen’s family, and his deep roots in the community continue to shape his commitment to public service.
Jacen has always been actively involved in community life, coaching youth basketball, baseball and soccer and joining Coaldale & District Emergency Services at just 18 years old. What began as a local commitment grew into a lifelong career in emergency services spanning more than four decades. Throughout his career, Jacen has served at the municipal, provincial, federal, and First Nations levels. His leadership roles have included:
- Assistant Fire Commissioner and Acting Deputy Fire Commissioner for the
Province of Alberta - Emergency Services Coordinator in Cardston County
- Fire Chief with Blood Tribe Emergency Services
- Executive Director for the Blood Tribe Department of Health
- Executive Director of the Lethbridge Food Bank (2024)
- Director of the Indigenous Recovery Coaching Program in Lethbridge
He was also appointed by the Premier of Alberta to serve on the Mental Health and Addiction Advisory Council for Minister Jason Luan, reflecting his leadership in health, recovery, and harm-reduction initiatives. Most recently Jacen has been appointed by Minister Lagrange as chair of region 13 health council. Jacen has participated in several of Canada’s most significant emergency responses, including the Slave Lake wildfire (2011), Southern Alberta floods (2014), the Fort McMurray wildfire (2016), and the Kenow/Waterton wildfire. His service has been recognized with the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal (12,22,32 year and 20, 30-year bars) and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal.
In municipal leadership, Jacen has served the Town of Coaldale as both Councillor and Deputy Mayor, bringing a values-driven approach rooted in honesty, transparency, and integrity. He continues to advocate for strong governance, community safety, mental health support, and sustainable community growth. Jacen remains committed to serving people, strengthening communities, and helping build a safe and resilient future for the next generations.