New regional fire chief named
By Nelson Daily Editor
By Timothy Schafer, The Nelson Daily
Citing a strength in fire fighter training and over 31 years on the force in Vancouver, the regional district has a new fire chief.
Terry Swan was introduced Thursday as the new man in a new position overseeing the Regional District of Central Kootenay’s 17 different rural volunteer fire departments.
Although he doesn’t officially begin his duties until Jan. 4, Swan already had two objectives on his mind when he assumed the reigns: centralized purchasing and improved training and certification.
“My priorities are to meet with everyone, listen to everyone and get a sense of what is working and what is broken and needs fixing,” he said.
Swan hinted that his role as regional fire chief and his objectives will become clearer once he is a few months into his position.
A resident of Balfour for the last six years, Swan had been consulting and training firefighters in Nelson since he arrived. It was through the suggestion of Nelson Fire Rescue chief Simon Grypma that he decided to apply for the position.
In September of 2009 a select committee on services for the RDCK was headed up by Nakusp Mayor Karen Hamling. The report recommended one regional fire chief to ensure proper training of firefighters across the region, and that budgets are taken care of.
Reporting to the chief administrative officer, the regional fire chief will be responsible for the safe and efficient operation of the RDCK Fire Service, according to the RDCK’s initial job posting.
“The regional fire chief is responsible for a broad range of management duties including the operational and the administrative functions of training, purchasing, budgeting, and volunteer management,” the posting read.
