As the Kamsack fire chief is to retire at the end of the month, town council has decided to create a new position: that of a paid fire chief who will also be responsible as the EMO co-ordinator and bylaw enforcement officer.
Council has come to understand that the fire chief’s position should not be a voluntary position as it has been in the past, Mayor Nancy Brunt explained following council’s regular meeting of September 25.
The demands on the fire chief have increased significantly over the years, says the resolution which council carried at its meeting. The current fire chief and bylaw officer are planning to retire in the near term.
It was agreed that the position of fire chief, Emergency Measures Organization (EMO) co-ordinator and bylaw enforcement officer be combined into a single role of director of protective services and council decided to immediately advertise the position.
Jim Pollock, the current fire chief, agreed to take an early retirement, effective October 31, Brunt said, adding that council heartily thanked him for his 25 years of service.
Pollock was asked for his recommendation for an interim fire chief who is to be appointed until the director of protective services is hired.
“Are you an experienced fire fighter looking for a change? Are you an outdoor enthusiast? Would you like to make your home in rolling hills and forests of east-central Saskatchewan?” asks the advertisement being placed in various publications by town council.
“Then consider: the Town of Kamsack is seeking a dynamic leader to join our team as the director of protective services/fire chief.
“As director of protective services/ fire chief, you are responsible for providing professional leadership to and administrative management of the town’s bylaw, emergency management and volunteer fire departments.
“Reporting to the chief administrative officer, you will be part of a small management team and tasked with specific responsibility to ensure the protection of people and property within the Town of Kamsack and regional partners. You will provide guidance and leadership to council regarding protective services and fire department functions.”
The successful candidate is expected to have completed a recognized firefighting training program, have 10 years experience as a fire fighter, have experience in the public sector in a senior managerial capacity and have strong management, motivational and interpersonal communication skills coupled with excellent administrative and organizational skills.
