CARROT RIVER — Scott Debienne is no longer the fire chief of the Carrot River Fire and Rescue.
The decision to end his employment was announced by the town May 22 and confirmed by the town’s council at their meeting May 23.
“The Rural Municipality of Moose Range, ourselves, and the fire and rescue committee decided to part ways with our fire chief as we are headed in a different direction,” said Bob Gagné, Carrot River’s mayor.
The mayor said he was unable to comment as to why the two municipalities decided there was a need to go in a different direction.
“We cannot comment because it is a personnel matter and we are bound by confidentiality laws and rules,” said Kevin Trew, Carrot River’s administrator.
The administrator said, according to the Municipalities Act, personnel issues can be discussed by council in a meeting not open to the public and that the town had received legal advice to do just that.
Debienne has served as fire chief for 3.5 years. He wrote in a statement he found out there were meetings discussing his future a week before the public announcement.
“I reached out to my supervisor, the administrator of Carrot River and was eventually told that I had to wait until today, Tuesday May 22 at 11 a.m. to learn my fate,” he wrote. “After serving the citizens of Carrot River and the RM of Moose Range for 29 years as a dedicated firefighter, I feel disappointed and let down.
“For those 29 years I have poured my heart and soul into Carrot River Fire Rescue, doing everything I could, including helping to ensure CRFR’s assistance with many community events, which supported many other organizations in and around our community.”
The 733-word statement was posted on what was the fire service’s Facebook page, “Carrot River Fire Rescue.” It has since been renamed to “It’s My Page Now”.
Trew said the page was started by Debienne but was considered to belong to the town.
“A number of properties and equipment that was in Scott’s possession was requested of him. The password and ownership of Carrot River Fire Rescue was requested, at which point he declined and we decided it wasn’t worth pursuing,” he said. “He did promise he’d change the name of it, which he did.”
Meanwhile a new page, “Carrot River Fire & Rescue”, has been created. Trew said going forward, the town will insist all of its Facebook pages have the town administrator as a page administrator.
As for the Carrot River Fire and Rescue’s new direction, Dylan Borody, a lieutenant, has been appointed interim chief.
“We will be hiring a new permanent chief,” Trew said.
The goal is to have one within six to eight weeks. This time, it will be a position and not an appointment. Pay and hours will depend on the experience and qualifications of the successful candidate.
Trew said he’s already received some interest – that’s not local – about the position.
There was also a fire practise at the hall May 22. Trew said there were 20 people attending, which is more than he’s seen in a while.
“We’re very encouraged by the number of people that have stepped forward.”
