M’CHIGEENG—With extensive experience as a volunteer firefighter, the new fire chief of the M’Chigeeng First Nation Fire Department is bringing forward several ideas on how to develop the fire department in the future.
“It has been a good learning experience and the development of the fire department as we go along,” said Andrew Corbiere.
“I am now the full-time fire chief,” said Mr. Corbiere, who pointed out final approval on the appointment has been given by M’Chigeeng Ogimaa-kwe Linda Debassige and band council. He had served as interim fire prevention officer since January of this year.
“I have close to 20 years’ experience as a volunteer firefighter,” stated Mr. Corbiere, who pointed out he has been a leader of the fire department in terms of having the highest attendance response on fire calls over his years of service. He has ranked first on the fire department on this list for over 15 years, with the only fires missed due to not being in the community at the time.
Mr. Corbiere has several goals he would like to see met for the fire department’s future. “One of our goals is to have every home in M’Chigeeng having working fire alarms and fire extinguishers. And we have plans to develop a junior firefighter program. This would get youth involved and interested in firefighting. They would not take part in actual fire response, but basic fire training would be provided to those who are interested, to make them a part of the fire department. The program would allow them to get their foot in the door and have a direct look at what firefighting and what being a firefighter entails.”
The junior firefighter program would include youngsters around the age of 12-18. “Exactly, it would be like a pre-recruiting program. And if they are interested, we might be able to recruit some of them to be full members of the fire department when they are older,” said Mr. Corbiere. The M’Chigeeng Fire Department currently has 18 members.
“Down the road another goal is to have a new fire hall built,” said Mr. Corbiere. The current fire hall, “is one of the oldest buildings in M’Chigeeng. And there was talk at one time, as we do have paramedics in M’Chigeeng, to have a joint fire department and paramedic station.” The idea of a new fire station, or joint fire and paramedic station is a long-term goal, he added.
