November 9, 2011
Fire service making
progress
by Vance Gutzman
Deep River's fire service continues to make progress towards meeting
the recommendations contained in the Ontario Fire Marshal's (OFM)
report handed down last February.
In his report to council last week, Fire chief Gene Thompson said an
OFM review of the fire service was undertaken in October, and while
he's waiting for follow-up noted from the fire marshal, Thompson noted
that OFM seem pleased with the progress made to date.
Overall, OFM specialist Chad Brown was very happy with the progress we
are making and encouraged us to stay on the aggressive path we're on,"
Thompson stated in his report.
"It's terrific news," remarked Councillor Terry Myers, who chairs the
town's protection to persons and property committee, which is one of
five standing committees recently established by council.
"It's great to see the progress we're making on these recommendations.
It's very positive."
The town will also, meanwhile, be signing on to a new mutual aid
agreement with the fire department at AECL's Chalk River Laboratories.
Deep River and AECL have had mutual aid agreements in place since 1958,
Thompson told council, and this latest version is much the same as past
agreements, with the exception that, should any of the town's fire
fighting equipment get contaminated, AECL will replace said equipment.
The mutual aid agreement has been reviewed by AECL fire chief Gary
McRae, Laurentian Hills fire chief Kevin Waito and himself, Thompson
stated, noting that all three chiefs believe it to be a solid plan.
Under auspices of the mutual aid agreement, the Laurentian Hills fire
service would be the first responders, with Deep River's fire service
being the second call for assistance.
"As AECL is a major employer for our area, I believe this agreement is
very valuable and we will assist AECL where and when we can," Thompson
stated in his report on the issue.
"The Town of Deep River's fire department will ensure protection of the
Town of Deep River first, before offering help to others. This is how
mutual aid works."
Mayor David Thompson expressed enthusiasm for the agreement when it
came to council last week.
"We're always talking about co-operation with our neighbours," the
mayor said.
"This is ideal."
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