Kincardine appoints deputy fire chiefs to acting fire chief role after Lemaich leaves

Kincardine council has appointed its two deputy fire chiefs as acting fire chief, following the vacancy created after Brad Lemaich left the post last month.

At the council meeting Wednesday night (Dec. 13), a bylaw was approved that appoints Tiverton station deputy chief Ron Simmons and Kincardine station deputy chief Matt Cottrill to jointly serve in the role of acting fire chief, effective Dec. 13 and ending when the municipality appoints a permanent, full-time fire chief.

Simmons and Cottrill will carry out their regular duties and responsibilities as deputy fire chiefs and continue to do so, after a new fire chief has been hired.

Councillor Bill Stewart asked if the deputy fire chiefs will be getting an increase in pay for serving as acting fire chief.

Chief administrative officer Jillene Bellchamber-Glazier said that is generally what happens but she did not have the firefighters’ agreement in front of her to confirm.

Mayor Kenneth Craig requested that information be circulated to council.

“We should know the financial impact if they are taking on the acting fire chief’s role and receiving an increase in pay,” said Stewart. “It’s important to know how long - until we get a new fire chief and when that happens.

“I can’t support this.”

Bellchamber-Glazier said she does not anticipate any changes in the fees because with the departure of the former fire chief, the municipality is not paying that salary.

“But we’ll have two fire chiefs, and we’re paying them the same after three months,” said Stewart. “I’m confused here. Eventually, there will be a cost. They’ll be interim fire chiefs for the whole year. It’ll be a huge cost.”

“I’m quite pleased that the two deputies are stepping in,” said Bellchamber-Glazier. “They will be sharing the position because neither can take it on full-time.”

Stewart put forward a friendly amendment to the motion, to defer the bylaw until Jan. 10, until council knows the financial impacts. However, there was no support for that amendment.

In a recorded vote, the bylaw was approved, 8-1, with councillors Beth Blackwell, Doug Kennedy, Amanda Steinhoff-Gray, Rory Cavanagh, Mike Hinchberger, Jennifer Prenger, deputy mayor Andrea Clarke and mayor Kenneth Craig in favour, while Stewart was the lone vote against.

When asked about the former fire chief, Bellchamber-Glazier said he is no longer with the municipality, “and we wish him well in all of his future endeavours. We are fortunate that both deputies are willing and able to temporarily step into the role of acting fire chief.”