Chatham-Kent is now on the lookout for a new fire chief after the announcement that current Fire Chief Bob Crawford is set to retire.
Crawford will retire on December 31 of this year after serving his second stint as chief. He served as CK's fire chief from 2001 to 2013 and then served as general manager of community development, before moving back into the fire chief’s position in 2017.
The job posting for the fire chief position will remain open for applicants until September 9.
“We’re being proactive because we want a seamless transition for the new chief,” said John Norton, Chatham-Kent's manager of community development, who added that there will be time to make a thoughtful and informed decision. “The position is a vital one which includes nearly 400 career and volunteer firefighters as well as oversight of paramedic services.”
Norton said the municipality is looking for a candidate who will be a visible partner in the community and workplace, as well as a champion of community engagement, development and sustainability.
According to the job posting for the chief position, the fire chief is "responsible for providing leadership and managing a large and diverse department that provides a full range of services to municipal residents and visitors. The fire chief co-ordinates all aspects of service delivery, including fire prevention and protection, public education, rescue, training and professional development, emergency management, emergency medical services, and general management of staff."