After 26-and-a-half years in fire services, Chris Cleave is retiring.
The Huron-Kinloss fire chief has served the township for the past eight years and is leaving that post, effective Sept. 15, to pursue other endeavours.
“Since the mid-1990s, I’ve been a volunteer firefighter, part-time fire chief and then full-time fire chief,” says Cleave. “It’s time to hang up my helmet for good. I’m at the point where I want a different work-life balance.
“Being the fire chief in a small town is a very demanding job. I’ve accomplished what I set out to do with the fire department in Huron-Kinloss. Now, it's time to do something different.”
For now, Cleave plans to remain in the community, but concentrate on his music and other ventures.
“This is the best municipality I’ve ever worked in,” he says, “and the hardest part is leaving the great people I’ve worked with – my colleagues at the fire hall and at the municipal hall.”
Cleave was a fire chief in Alberta before moving to Ripley and taking on the job here. Under his leadership, the fire department achieved numerous milestones, and he was a pivotal part in updating the standards for the volunteer firefighters and supporting fire and emergency services.
During his tenure, the Ripley and Lucknow fire departments became Huron-Kinloss Fire and Emergency Services.
“Chris (Cleave) has been an invaluable member of our management team, and his contributions to the safety and well-being of our residents are immeasurable,” said mayor Don Murray. “We are grateful for his years of service and wish him all the best in his future endeavours."
The township will begin the recruitment process for a new fire chief.
In a press release, issued Friday, the township states that residents can be assured that protocols remain firmly in place to respond to incidents swiftly and effectively. “Huron-Kinloss Fire and Emergency Services continue to be fully operational and committed to ensuring the safety of the community.
“The township expresses its gratitude to chief Cleave for his dedication, leadership, and outstanding service, and wishes him success and happiness in his future pursuits.”