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Barriere replaces their Fire Chief and Deputy Chief

Volunteer fire department has shift in leadership

North Thompson Star/Journal

On Nov. 15, 2017 the District of Barriere released the following press release regarding changes at the Fire Departmemnt.

“Earlier this year, the District of Barriere posted the position of Fire Chief for the Barriere Volunteer Fire Department. As a result of this competition, Council appointed two internal candidates to the positions of Chief and Deputy Chief.

“After extensive deliberation and an outside third party review, Council has rescinded these appointments while both members were still in their probationary period.

“New legislation around training requirements and associated liabilities related to decision making are an ever-growing challenge for fire departments across Canada. The part time position of Chief is now being re-posted.

“Hiring will focus on leadership, firefighting and people management skills which are required for this important community position.

“Until filled, Rob Lennea will be acting as Interim Fire Chief.”

The two ‘internal candidates’ appointed earlier in the year as the Fire Chief and Deputy Chief were Drew McMartin and Todd English respectively.

In a telephone interview Tuesday with Mayor Virginia Smith regarding the rescinding of these appointments, Smith told the Star/Journal, “This gives us an opportunity to start over and fit in with the legislation and training requirements for fire departments, which are always an ongoing work in progress.”

Smith noted the District is fortunate to once again have Rob Lennea take the reins as Interim Fire Chief until a candidate is found for the position of Fire Chief.

She also advised that Todd English has agreed to move in to the position of Safety Officer.