Timmins will soon have a new fire chief as Scott Atkinson, deputy chief, will officially move into the position on Apr. 1 after being appointed at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
He will take over from retiring Chief Berny Stansa, who served two years as chief out of 28 years of service with the Timmins Fire Department.
Stansa delivered a short speech at the meeting.
“Prior to the meeting tonight, I spoke briefly with the mayor, and I jokingly said that over two years of attending council meetings, I’m going to do something different tonight, because curiosity got the best of me, and I decided to put in my hearing aids,” he said, to a roar of laughter.
“That’s a first.”
Stansa reflected on his time as chief, specifically the role as a department head within city government.
“When I took this position, that was when your term was beginning, for this present council, and admittedly, and irresponsibly on my part I suppose, I didn’t follow a lot of council meetings on TV. So when I came here, I got a real eye-opener. I never realized the amount of work and collaboration at all different levels that goes into getting things done around here,” he said.
“I’d like to thank everybody – mayor and council, the CAO, and all the department heads, the media as well, for all the support you’ve shown over the years, for me and for the fire department.”
He then turned the focus towards Atkinson, his longtime colleague.
“As far as the incoming chief, he’s got a genuine passion for the fire service, and specifically for the Timmins Fire Department. He was an outstanding deputy chief, and I have no doubt he’ll be an even more outstanding chief. So I’m leaving you, in my opinion, in better hands.”
“Thank you for your words Chief Stansa, and congratulations again on a well- deserved retirement,” said Mayor Michelle Boileau.
Atkinson brings over 23 years of experience and dedicated service in fire and emergency services.
He began his career with the Timmins Fire Department in 2002. In 2021, he was raised to the position of lieutenant, and in 2022 he was promoted to deputy chief, and became responsible for the administration, training, and operations of the fire suppression and prevention departments.
Atkinson is also a member of the Timmins Professional Fire Fighters Association, and has held the positions of president, vice-president, and grievance chair, where he has gained valuable experience in labour relations.
Stansa added that Atkinson has been ‘preparing for this moment for many years.’
“When he became deputy fire chief, I could see a noticeable difference in his frame of mind and enthusiasm. His motivation took on a new level, and he oversaw the operations of the department with a great deal of professionalism. He has built solid relationships and is well respected by the association members, community partners, and vendors.”
“Working closely together on departmental issues, I feel that he is more than ready to take over the leadership role. He has an ambitious vision of how he would like to grow the department, and I have no doubt that Scott will bring about many positive and exciting changes.”
Stansa has been with the Timmins Fire Department since 1997.
“The city also offers sincere gratitude to Chief Berny Stansa for his years of service and dedication to the community and Timmins’ fire service,” reads a release from city hall.
“During his almost 28 years of service, Chief Stansa’s commitment to the department, the community, and the safety of our residents has been an incredible example of public service.”