Just over a year into his tenure as Port Colborne's Fire Chief, Stan Double is at the helm of a growing department that is focused on creating a safer community.
With more than three decades of experience in the fire service, Double embraced the opportunity to lead the department in Port Colborne, first stepping in as Interim Fire Chief in December 2024 before assuming the role permanently in February 2025. Deputy Fire Chief Mark Middleton also joined Chief Double and the department in February 2025.
Since then, the department has undertaken several new initiatives to improve community safety in Port Colborne.
Among these initiatives is the hiring of four new full-time firefighters, supported by a dedicated training program prior to active duty.
"Like many professions, the fire service thrives on repetition," said Double. "Our comprehensive training program covers health and safety practices, personal protective equipment, detailed apparatus knowledge, and more. This approach removes the pressure of initial training from our on-duty crews and ensures all firefighters are well-equipped to respond effectively to any emergency."
Along with the new full-time positions, the Fire and Emergency Services team have welcomed 12 new volunteer firefighters, who began their service on Jan. 15.
The volunteers firefighters will take part in weekly training that will provide them the skills to fully integrate into the Port Colborne Fire Department by October, 2026.
"The new additions will increase our volunteer firefighter compliment to 30," said Double. "Enhancing our numbers of full-time and volunteer firefighters puts more boots on the ground, furthering our ability to effectively respond to emergencies within the community."
In addition to the increases in full-time and volunteer staffing, the department is welcoming a new Fire Prevention Inspector. Working alongside the Fire Prevention Officer, the Inspector will conduct routine inspections of residential and industrial properties, respond to community inquiries, and ensure fire code compliance with the newly established by-law regulating short-term rental accommodations in Port Colborne.
Double said the Fire Prevention Division plays a critical role in a growing community.
"Fire prevention is essential, and it requires a committed team to ensure residents understand how to prevent fires and avoid life-threatening situations in both their homes and workplaces," he said.
To ensure Port Colborne Fire and Emergency Services is adhering to provincial regulations, a Training Officer has also been added to oversee all of the department's training requirements. Training is a key component of a fire department's success in keeping personnel and the community safe, and includes specialized operations such as high-angle rope rescue, hazardous materials response, fire ground tactics, and ice-water rescue.
To undertake so many developments, Double credits the support he has received from City Council and staff.
"Council have allowed us to implement improvements that have been recognized through the completion of a Master Fire Plan and Community Risk Assessment. City staff are always ready to help when we need to collaborate on all initiatives," he said.
For Double, the desire to continue moving things forward is imperative.
"Becoming the Fire Chief for the City of Port Colborne has been an incredible opportunity," he said. "We have relocated here, proudly making Port Colborne our new home. Beyond the career transition, the community offers so much spectacular Lake Erie beaches, the historic Welland Canal, and, above all, remarkable people. This is now home.