RDCO News Release re: NWFR
The Regional District recognizes this is a difficult time in the community with changes in the fire department. Our continued priority is community safety and there will be no change in the level of service that will be provided to North Westside residents.
At a training meeting on Tuesday, June 16, six paid-on-call firefighters handed in their pagers. A seventh member provided our Human Resources department with a notice of sick leave on Wednesday.
We understand, only through the media, that this was meant as a protest. But as pagers were turned in, we presumed that these members no longer intended to be active in the department and therefore would not be responding to any call-outs.
Immediately following the meeting, the RDCO and the NWFR Captains recruited three replacement members who were formerly part of the department. They are already trained and ready to provide service. An additional four members are in process and expected to confirm shortly. Three of these individuals are also former members. Contrary to what is being said in the media, residents of the North Westside Fire Protection Area can expect the same level of service that they have had in the past. The halls are in good shape and the department remains in the hands of experienced Captains who are stepping into Acting Deputy Chief roles. Graeme Headley will lead at Station 101 in Killiney Beach and Shawn Barnes at Station 102 at Short's Creek. They are being supported by RDCO Fire Services Manager Ross Kotscherofski.
Additionally, RDCO staff met with the Fire Service Advisor from the Office of the Fire Commissioner on Wednesday, June 17, to outline the situation. The Office of the Fire Commissioner will be reviewing operations of the North Westside fire department and making recommendations. The Fire Commissioner will start by interviewing NWFR officers. The results will be shared with the Regional Board.
