Eganville — North Algona Wilberforce Township Fire Chief Rick Marshall, who devoted 28 years serving his community as both a firefighter and chief, will no longer be getting out of bed in the middle of the night to respond to a call following his sudden departure effective last Tuesday, August 13.
His exodus took place prior to the 7 o’clock council meeting held that night and although several in the community were aware of the move that evening through various social media platforms, there was no official announcement made by the township until the following day.
A very brief media release was issued by CAO Andrew Sprunt stating the former chief and the township had parted ways and Mayor James Brose and council wished him well in his future endeavours.
In the interim, council appointed Deputy-Chief Kevin Champ to serve as acting chief until a replacement is named. The recent retirement of longtime member and Golden Lake Deputy Chief Doug Kuiken resulted in the appointment of Captain Kevin Kilby to Acting Deputy Chief and part of his new role will be to assist Acting Chief Champ in his duties until a permanent replacement is found.
It is not known if a replacement will be from within the ranks or whether a wider scope of recruitment will occur. Part of the township’s media release stated Mr. Sprunt would bring a report to council with recommendations for a replacement for Mr. Marshall, but it does not indicate any timeframe.
When contacted by the Leader, Mr. Marshall said he had no official comment other than to echo the media release which stated he and the township parted ways.
It was a bittersweet situation for the former fire chief. He spent a great deal of time the last month organizing a family picnic day for all members of the department that was held this past Sunday at Melissa Bishop Park. He approached council back in June requesting exclusive use of the ball diamond and picnic area so that all members and their families could have a social gathering exclusively for them, something that has not taken place in many years.
As a member of the department for 28 years, his home station was Golden Lake and when he started out as a 30-year-old rookie, it was a far different look. In 1991 the former North Algona Fire Department had 18 men under the command of former Fire Chief Roland Junop. Today, the amalgamated department has a fleet of three pumpers, three tankers and more than 40 personnel at the Rankin, Golden Lake and Deacon stations.
He received his 25-year medal recognizing his service in 2016.
Mr. Marshall said the department is in good hands under Acting Chief Champ. He said although it is a volunteer fire department, the men and women take their roles very seriously.
“The residents of NAW are fortunate to have so many dedicated crew members who are not just firefighters, but they are neighbours, friends and family members ready to rush into a burning house in the middle of the night without a second thought because that is what being part of a rural fire department is all about,” he said.