The town is looking for a new full-time fire chief.
On Oct. 8, Dan Ross, who was Innisfail's fire chief for the past eight months, and the town “parted ways”, said Helen Dietz, the town's chief administrative officer.
“We have a vision for fire services and we are going in a different direction,” said Dietz. “At this point in time we have parted ways and we wish Dan all the best in the future.”
Ross was hired last February to be Innisfail's first full-time fire chief. He came to town following a Canada-wide search to replace John Syroid, the town's longtime respected part-time fire chief who retired a year ago. Before coming to Innisfail, Ross was the deputy fire chief of Yellowhead County.
“We didn't have a full-time chief before as John was part-time,” said Dietz. “We are getting to understand what the organization and the town needs.”
She said the town is beginning its search for a new fire chief this week. In the meantime the town's fire services needs will be served under the direction of Dennis Fehr, the department's deputy fire chief. Fehr, who will be assisted by Clark Maldaner, assistant fire chief, as well as the department's captains, will be the interim fire chief until the permanent top position is filled, said Dietz.
“They are very qualified long-term paid members of the fire department. They all hold roles in administration,” said Dietz confidently about the department's ability to maintain quality service for the town. “We have the town covered. They have backup from Red Deer County. Inspections will be assisted from Red Deer County.”
Ross was unavailable for comment.
