SILVER WATER—The final steps are being taken for Robinson Township local services board (LSB) to hire the Burpee and Mills township fire chief to lead the Robinson Volunteer Fire Department.
“I have a meeting with Rick Graham (Burpee and Mills fire chief),” said Paul Sorbara, chair of the Robinson LSB. “We are going to get him signed on to take over the position of our fire chief.” He pointed out Nicole Middleton, deputy-fire chief of the Burpee and Mills fire department, will take on the same role with the Robinson fire department. The Ontario Fire Marshal will conduct its interviews of both for the positions prior to them taking over these positions.
“Rick has been to the fire hall once already and has indicated all along he is more than willing to take on the position of fire chief,” said Mr. Sorbara.
Mr. Graham told The Expositor, “I have a meeting with Mr. Sorbara on Saturday. I will be taking over as fire chief for Robinson and Nicky will take over as deputy fire chief. I have only made it to one (Robinson) fire-fighters practice which kind of sucks.”
With his filling the role of the fire chief position of Robinson, Mr. Graham will be the fire chief for both communities. “It shouldn’t be too bad,” he said. “Lots of hands make light work, and our Burpee and Mills firefighters are definitely on board. They will be responding with all trucks and fire equipment to any fire calls in Robinson township.” And the current Robinson firefighters will respond to fire calls in the Burpee and Mills area.
Mr. Graham pointed out, “firefighters for the two departments will work together to respond to fire calls.”
Long-time Robinson fire chief Doug Wismer had informed the members of the Robinson Township Volunteer Fire Department on Wednesday of last week, “that as of (last) Friday morning, I would no longer be the acting fire chief.”
“Rick (Graham) had said would be willing to take over as the Robinson fire chief,” said Mr. Wismer who noted he will remain as a firefighter for Robinson Fire Department but will no longer be the acting fire chief. (He was the long time fire chief.)
As was reported previously, Burpee and Mills Township council had given its approval for Mr. Graham to take on the role of Robinson Township fire chief as well as remaining fire chief for Burpee and Mills.
