Township of Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins confirmed today that Fire Chief Paul Nelson will be retiring from the Township, effective April 1st, 2010.
Nelson served with the Township for over 28 years, first as a member of the Police and Fire Department and then with the Esquimalt Fire Rescue since its inception in 2003. “The community is well served by the Esquimalt Fire Department, and I consider it an honour to have served as a member,” said Nelson.
“We wish Paul all the best in his retirement,” said Mayor Desjardins.
Last year the Township retained Ted Hughes, Q.C. to conduct a comprehensive audit of the Esquimalt Fire Department. The audit revealed a difficult working environment in the department for both management and union members. This working environment also contributed to mounting overtime costs for the Township.
“Council has been deliberating on the recommendations set out in the audit by Ted Hughes. We will continue with this process,” said Mayor Desjardins. “Our goal from the outset has been to create a positive work environment for the department and to get control over the escalating overtime costs.”
A recruitment campaign for a new chief will begin immediately and is expected to take several months.
For more information, please contact:
Laurie Hurst, Chief Administrative Officer
Phone: 250-414-7133