The Township of Rideau Lakes has a new interim fire chief.
Township officials on Tuesday announced that Mark McFalls will be appointed as its interim fire chief on Jan. 2, after the current chief moves to a new fire service.
With over 15 years in fire services, township officials said, McFalls has worked with Rideau Lakes since 2019 in the positions of deputy fire chief, fire consultant and training consultant.
Previous experience with neighbouring municipalities includes assistant fire chief, assistant lieutenant, fire prevention officer and firefighter.
McFalls will be responsible for “directing the operation, maintenance, control and repair of all firefighting equipment and other department property.”
He will also be responsible for “maintaining accurate records, while liaising with representatives of neighbouring fire departments to ensure the continuation of adequate mutual aid agreements are developed to mitigate major emergency incidents.”
“On behalf of the township, we are pleased to welcome Mark McFalls as interim fire chief, and to advise that there will be uninterrupted service to the residents of Rideau Lakes,” Mayor Arie Hoogenboom said in a prepared statement.
Effective immediately, McFalls will shadow the current interim fire chief Andy Moore, who will be moving into the role of assistant fire chief of prevention and training with the Town of Perth.
“Moore has been an integral part of the Fire Services Team at Rideau Lakes, and his colleagues at the township congratulate him on his success, as Moore will be closer to home and family,” township officials said in a press release.
The search for a new permanent fire chief for Rideau Lakes in currently underway, with officials hoping to fill the position early next year.