Deputy chief climbs ladder to chief’s post

By Pat Bailey

Chuck Parsons came to Leamington 10 years ago looking for a challenge — and now he will take on another challenge as the new fire chief of the Leamington Fire Service.

Parsons, 46, is excited about the next phase in his life as a firefighter.

“I’m very pleased,” Parsons said of his appointment as fire chief, replacing retired chief Bob Bradt, “I think I can serve the community well.”

And for the Parsons’ family, including wife Wendy, daughter Lisa and son Daniel, Leamington is now home.

“It’s a really good fire department and community — it’s progressive,” said Parsons. He said the community was very welcoming when his family relocated here and has everything he looked for in a place to raise his family.

“Chuck Parsons is an excellent choice for fire chief,” said Mayor John Paterson. “He has the right mix of management and frontline knowledge to guide our services into the future.”

“Chuck is well liked and respected throughout the municipality and we are pleased he has accepted the position,” he added.

Parsons said Bradt was an excellent leader so he is not expecting there to be many changes in the near future. But said when it is necessary, “I think I’ll be able to take the next step and lead the fire department well.”

Parsons moved to Leamington 10 years ago, stepping up from captain/fire prevention officer with the Grand Valley Fire Department to deputy chief here, focusing on public education and training. Before fighting fires in urban areas, Parsons fought forest fires in northwestern Ontario — for a total of 25 years as a firefighter.

His responsibilities as deputy chief included — command officer for emergency responses, firefighter training, public education and community emergency management co-ordination.

Parsons also authored the municipality’s simplified risk assessment and the municipal emergency plan which demonstrates his understanding of the community risks that the fire service must face and protect here.

The new chief hold a company officer diploma and public fire and life safety educators certificate from the Ontario Fire College. He is also a municipal manager  III (fire service professional/emergency management professional) with certification from the Ontario Municipal Management Institute.