The Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department has a new chief.
Longtime firefighter Rick Cousins has accepted the position and will officially take over the role in January.
The town made the announcement in a news release on Friday.
Cousins has over 35 years of experience firefighting and volunteered for over 28 years with the Ontario Provincial Police Auxiliary Unit.
He started as a firefighter in Brigden, before moving to the Petrolia and North Enniskillen department in 1990.
From there he was appointed captain in 2020 and took on the role of deputy chief of fire prevention in 2022.
Additionally, Cousins has served as the unit commander/ staff sergeant with the OPP Auxiliary Unit for 18 years.
He said he's a proud resident of Petrolia, where he and his wife have lived for 35 years, and he's looking forward to continuing his work with local firefighters.
"I have always loved the caring and generous nature of this department and I am proud to take on a leadership position to ensure that the team remains strong, well-trained and ready to assist as needed," Cousins said.
Former Chief Jay Arns announced his retirement in early December 2023.