Duncan Rydall is the new chief of the Township of St. Joseph Fire and Rescue.
He succeeds Fraser Adams, who held the role for 13 years, a release says. Rydall began his role on Monday.
Rydall grew up in Laird Township. He served as chief fire prevention officer for the Town of The Blue Mountains in southwestern Ontario for 14 years. Rydall was acting deputy chief during part of that time.
The role of fire chief with Township of St. Joseph is now a full-time position.
"The time needed to ensure training requirements, legislated reporting, liability and organizational operations has made it increasingly difficult for a volunteer-only fire chief to meet these obligations,” the release says.
Rydall will also be responsible for bylaw enforcement, workplace health and safety and building maintenance.
Adams, serving in a volunteer role, was credited for his efforts to significantly modernize the community’s fire hall, emergency vehicle fleet and equipment.