A pair of experienced local firefighters have been hired to fill two assistant chief positions in Chatham-Kent.
John Praill, a 31-year career veteran, and Adam Walters, a 13-year volunteer firefighter with the Bothwell fire station, will begin the duties of their new rankings with Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services (CKFES) on August 8 and July 16 respectively.
Both Praill and Walters are long-time residents of Chatham-Kent.
After a career as a senior captain with CKFES, Praill will bring his advanced knowledge of firefighter operations to his new position. He's experienced in the areas of company officer, ice and fast water rescue, and trainer facilitator.
Walters previously served as the deputy station chief in Bothwell. He has a certificate in Fire Administration from Dalhousie University and is currently an employee of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent in the Information Technology department.
“Our first goal for any hire is that they strengthen the service and help us continue to provide the best community safety we can,” says Fire and Emergency Service Chief Bob Crawford. “Both John and Adam will do that in their new roles.”
John Norton, general manager of Community Development Services, says advertisements for the two positions went out across Canada.
“It’s a testament to the training and professionalism of our local firefighters that they stack up well against those from across Canada,” says Norton.
Crawford praises current assistant chiefs Chris Case and Phil Thorburn for taking over while replacements were found.
“They’ve been putting in a lot of hours and have kept everything on an even keel,” says Crawford.