Puslinch’s loss is the City of Guelph’s gain.
Puslinch Fire Chief Steven Goode will be the new deputy chief of operations with the Guelph Fire Department, effective May 15.
On May 3 in closed session, Puslinch councillors reviewed a confidential verbal report from CAO Karen Landry regarding “personal matters about an identifiable individual” and identified as “fire chief recruitment.”
In April, Guelph Fire Chief John Osborne announced the selection of Goode to serve as the new deputy chief of operations.
In that role, Goode will be responsible for the department’s daily operations. Specifically, Goode will oversee the suppression, training and fire prevention divisions.
Goode has more than 23 years of experience within the fire service as a full-time and volunteer firefighter.
Most recently, Goode served as captain with the Cambridge Fire Department and Fire Chief of Puslinch Fire and Rescue Service.
Accomplished leader
“Steve is an accomplished senior leader who brings thorough, first-hand knowledge of the fire service,” said Osborne. “His demonstrated leadership at fires bordering Guelph, (in) Puslinch Township, and Guelph-Eramosa Township, positions him for success in our community.”
In addition to his work experience, Goode is a graduate of Seneca College, York University and the Ontario Fire College, and is an active member of the Wellington County Fire Chiefs Association.
In open session on May 3, Puslinch councillor Susan Fielding offered her thanks to Goode for all his work. She was uncertain whether she would be seeing Goode at a future council meeting.
Goode offered assurance that she would.
“I really did want to thank you for your education of council so we can make better informed decisions,” Fielding said.
“It’s very important.”
Mayor Dennis Lever said the fire chief would be at a future council meeting, noting, “I’m sure all of council will have good things to say.”
