David Delzotto is the new fire chief for the Shebandowan Volunteer Fire Department.
More than 6 weeks after the fire department shut down, the Shebandowan Local Services Board announced in a social media post that the appointment was approved by the Ontario Fire Marshall.
“David brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience on volunteer fire departments and will be instrumental in building a new fire team for the community,” the post said.
Hiring a new fire chief is one step in the process to get the fire department running again.
The fire department is also calling on community members to volunteer.
“David cannot do this on his own, and we are actively recruiting new volunteers for the team,” the post said. "We cannot restore our Fire Department without a team of dedicated residents!"
According to the fire department, no experience is required to volunteer.
“If you have the heart to help, we have a place for you,” the post said.
The post listed several incentives for joining, including professional training, the potential for lower home insurance rates for area residents and a sense of community pride.
Efforts to get the fire department running again were underway last month, said board chair Jim Moshonsky in a Jan. 21 meeting, but the process will take months.
Once the fire department has a fire chief and a few names on the list for volunteers, Moshonsky said everything can be submitted to the Office of the Fire Marshal.
“It's going to be up to the OFM to approve our chief, whoever we put forward or whatever couple of names we put forward,” Moshonsky said.
If and when the new fire chief and volunteers are approved, they will go through training, he said.
“It's not going to happen overnight, but I'm optimistic hopefully by this spring we'll have real positive news,” he said.
In the absence of a fire department, local residents and property owners are urged to take particular care to prevent fires.
“This includes ensuring that smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are tested and functioning, home escape plans are current and practiced and chimneys are properly cleaned and in safe working order,” said Sarah Shoemaker, the District of Thunder Bay’s mutual aid coordinator.
Residents interested in joining the fire department can find more information at the Shebandowan local services board meeting on Tuesday, Mar. 10, at 7 p.m. at the Shebandowan Community Centre.
Those interested in volunteering can visit the Shebandowan local services board website for more details, or email the department directly at shebandowanfire@gmail.com or shebandowanlsb@gmail.com.