Like the fire prevention officers before him, Charles Turpin will work to bring all of Port Colborne in compliance with both smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations.
"We would love to see 100 per cent compliance with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every residence."
Turpin took on the job last week with Port Colborne Fire and Emergency Services, replacing Scott Lawson who moved up to deputy fire chief after the retirement of Mike Bendia. Bendia also served as the city's fire prevention officer.
He came to Port Colborne from Welland Fire and Emergency Services where he was in fire prevention for the last six years.
"I've been in the fire service 28 years. I started as a volunteer in Welland and served 16 years as a career firefighter there."
He came to Port Colborne looking for a new challenge and new opportunities and said the fire prevention programs in the city are very innovative and forward-looking.
Turpin was already familiar with the programs, having heard about them through his involvement with the Niagara chapter of the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officer's Association.
"Port Colborne is one of the leaders within the community."
The city's fire service has been pushing hard on smoke and carbon monoxide alarm compliance since a house fire that claimed the lives of four family members in December 2016.
Turpin said the involvement of the whole fire service and city hall in the programs, and the buy-in from the community when it comes to safety is also what drew him to the city.
"I want to keep that momentum going," he said, adding he'll also take on the roles as a fire investigator and on-scene incident safety officer when required.
Turpin said he's had a warm welcome from his fellow firefighters, city hall and residents since starting the job.
"There's a really good group of individuals here," he said of the fire service.
Link to original article in St. Catharines Standard: Turpin wants to keep fire safety momentum going