The former chief of the Saugeen Shores Fire Department is being remembered as a steadying force during uncertain times.
Bruce Fenton passed away on Thursday after a long battle with cancer at the age of 68.
Fenton first joined the Saugeen Township Fire Department in 1980 and assumed the chief's role with the newly-amalgamated Saugeen Shores Fire Department in 1999.
Captain Rob Atkinson remembers Fenton's leadership standing out during a time when three fire departments were merging into one.
"He was a great chief, he came from the township days of hard work and determination got the job done," said Atkinson. "He worked through the growing pains of amalgamation, it was a challenge in all departments in Ontario, the amalgamation through the 2000's and late 90's. He was a great chief to work under."
Fenton held the chief's position for nearly nine years before he stepped away in 2008 upon his first cancer diagnosis, but according to Atkinson, Fenton left a lasting impression.
"I just takeaway a continuous need to education yourself, support your members for sure," said Atkinson. "The fire service is developing and evolving so quick, takes a lot of legwork, give any leaders credit for keeping up with demanding changes."
A celebration of life for Bruce Fenton will be held at a later date.