James Zimmerman believes there are benefits to Wellington North’s two fire departments working more closely.
Zimmerman, Fire Protection Officer from the Ontario Fire Marshal’s Office, provided a certificate of compliance this week that states the “office of the Fire Marshal confirms that on Nov. 10, 2008, the Township of Wellington North was in compliance with public education and fire prevention requirements.”
Zimmerman, formerly the Fire Chief in Minto, was pleased to be in familiar territory. With him was representation by the Fire Marshal’s office, and Arthur and Mount Forest Fire Departments.
Mike Broomhead said, “It’s good to see you out tonight, looking all impressive dressed up.”
Zimmerman said the night was a celebration. The compliance came late last year, and he attended to present it. It refers to a regulation that every municipality must establish a program in the municipality that must include public education with respect to fire safety and certain components of fire prevention.
He introduced colleague Tom Everertt, who is Wellington County’s area contact for the Fire Marshall’s office.
“I was kind of parachuted in,” Zimmerman said. He was working on items in Grey County, and this is a good tie in with Mount Forest’s Department.
He said after the presentation it will be Everertt who works with local fire departments to “implement some of the opportunities for improvement.”
Zimmerman said the survey was intended to judge four areas. One is a look at the simplified risk assessment to identify the municipality’s risks, and then what programs are in place, and if they match.
Next is a check of the smoke alarm program, including home escape plans and how they are working. Then the department must do fire inspections – upon request or complaint.
Finally, the review includes the distribution of fire safety materials.
“Obviously, you’re meeting the minimum criteria.”
He asked, “Does the minimum benchmark really meet the needs of the community? That’s where you’ll need to rely on your in-house experts.”
Zimmerman said there are opportunities for improvement, and some of those have already been implemented. He cited the township’s new joint venture on fire prevention with both fire departments. He is pleased because it was not all that long ago the idea was discussed.
“It was a pleasure working with your fire chiefs,” he said. “ They were very easy to work with.”
He said there were good discussions, looking for opportunities for improvement.
Zimmerman said that while there were some items that should be taken care of more immediately than others, “There is nothing earth shattering to me.”
Mainly, he saw smaller issues that should be dealt with.
Zimmerman said Wellington North is a unique situation of one municipality having two separate fire departments. He believes it would be of benefit to have them working closer together.
Mayor Mike Broomhead said council is proud of the departments and their accomplishments.
Fire committee chairman Ross Chaulk said he is quite pleased to see Zimmerman’s comments. “I can’t say much more than that.”
He also saw this as a step forward.
Arthur Fire Chief Jim Morrison was proud to have taken part in the exercise. He, too, considered the dual departments a unique situation and gave both a chance to work closer together.
Morrison expected in the future the two departments would be working closer yet.
