Cambridge has a new chief in town and he's here to take control over the fire department and help tackle some of the city's biggest problems.
After spending over 20 years in Kitchener and then three years in Brampton as deputy chief, Rob Martin has taken over as fire chief for the Cambridge Fire Department.
"It has been a very warm welcome for me here," Martin says. "I've been really excited about coming back to Waterloo region and be a part of this team."
Martin assumed the role of CFD fire chief on Nov. 13 and has spent the last few weeks getting to know everyone from all the departments while learning how the operation works.
His more than 25 years of experience and decades of work with mentors has prepared him for this role by showing him how to thrive in a new environment and engage with the public in an educational and purposeful way, he says.
"All those years with great captains and great leadership you learn how to treat people and how to be kind; then as you move through the ranks you get a sense of how each position works and all aspects around fire management," Martin says.
With the department's fire master plan coming back to council in a few months, Martin is in a unique position that he can help shape the future of the CFD to tackle some of the city's big issues.
A growing population, increase in demands and more hazards, has put pressure on the backs of the department and Martin thinks the city needs to get creative on how to deal with them all.
"These are such complex issues that really require some creativity to solve," said Martin. "I think it's important to get leaders and experts from all areas and bring them together to try and solve these things."
While the fire department's jurisdiction and power can only take them so far, Martin floats the idea of creating a task force that's able to look at each area and bring solutions to the table.
"We are limited in what fire code allows us to do, so it's important that we take the time to create partnerships and see what other resources are there within the city or the region that we can utilize," he added.
While fire prevention is high up on the list of importance for Martin and his team, education is something he thinks will save lives.
A fire at an encampment adjacent to Highway 401 last week shut down a section of the highway due to fears about exploding propane tanks and its one example of where the CFD will focus its education efforts.
The CFD wants to remind everyone that heating devices must only be used as per the manufacturer's instructions and could literally mean life or death.
"Things like making sure that flammable items are not left near an open flame or discarded smoking materials are dealt with properly are all points we try and get out there."
As for long term goals and plans, Martin is focused on working with staff to prepare for the upcoming fire master plan talks with the city and looking at what the needs of the department are.
Some of the changes suggested in the draft plan include a new station for Hespeler and renovations for some of the older stations that are approaching the end of their life cycle.
"We are going to look at what we need and based on that give our recommendations back to city council, but we are hopeful we can accomplish our goals," Martin says. "It might be a little to early to say what the big goal for me is, but I really just want to make a difference in people's lives from a safety aspect."
While the new chief gets settled into his role, one thing has stood out to him in his short time in Cambridge; the team's generosity.
"I feel that the fire service has the respect of the community not only because of the work they do, but also because of thousands of volunteer hours they put in," he adds.
"Just watching the behind the scenes and how many days they are coming in on their off time and volunteering and packing hampers, they really do give back to their community in so many ways."
The CFD is running its annual food hamper program and expect to be able to support around 450 families over the holidays, Martin says.
"I think that is the kind of commitment that the community respects and I am so proud to be a part of an organization that put the people first and gives back as much as they do."