(Aaron Schulze/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Nipawin hires fire chief

Nipawin hires new fire chief

May 20, 2020 | 5:05 PM

The town of Nipawin has a new fire chief.

Dave Balding will begin his duties May 25, and comes to the community with 35 years experience in municipal fire services.

Nipawin Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Barry Elliott told northeastNOW that most of Balding’s experience as a fire chief is in a number of smaller municipalities.

“So he’s worked extensively with volunteer fire departments and he knows the municipal fire services world very, very well,” Elliott said.

He said Balding also brings with him a wealth of experience with emergency management. According to Elliott, Balding will be working closely with the new bylaw enforcement officer Dave Pruden, who begins his job June 1.

Wasted fish

Fish abandoned at Deschambault Lake

3h ago

Leadership Needed to Stop Federal Overreach

4h ago

Break-in suspect sought

Suspect sought after Nipawin break-in

21h ago

“We’re going to have another individual in the mix that’s got a lot of skills and experiences and insights that will help us to provide the best service we can, not only to our local community of Nipawin, but to our area partners as well,” Elliott said.

Balding also has experience in fire investigations and inspections, and Elliott said that will allow the town to review and enhance the services they are providing. Elliott said the new chief has also worked within the community in terms of helping people understand the services the fire department provides, and relaying fire safety information.

The community had been without a permanent fire chief since Brian Starkell and the town parted ways in November, 2019. Elliott said filling the position is very important.

“We need someone to take administrative control of the department to ensure that…adequate reporting occurs, and that council, the administration, and of course the community [are] kept informed of what’s going on within the department,” Elliott said. He added it’s also vital to ensure that the province is informed.

–

cam.lee@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @camlee1974