October 27, 2013

There will continue to be two fire chiefs in Plympton-Wyoming.

After the retirement of long-time Wyoming volunteer chief Bill Davidson, council was considering whether it would be a good idea to merge the position with the chief’s job in Camlachie.

The departments have operated separately since amalgamation but Dennis Gannon, operations manager of the Office of the Fire Marshal, recently told council that is an unusual situation. He suggested hiring a full-time fire chief who would also take care of the fire prevention education. “You don’t have more than one clerk …you’re better served by having one fire department (and) one chief,” said Gannon at the time.

But after a study by staff, Mayor Lonny Napper says council has decided to continue on with two volunteer chiefs in the distinct communities.

“We had a report back from staff and the way we do things now is very cost effective,” says Napper. “We wanted to keep the local flavour and keep it more volunteer based.”

Napper says the municipality will choose the next Wyoming chief from the current volunteer base. Right now, an interim chief is filling the role.

 

 

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