DIDSBURY - Five members of the Didsbury Fire Department have resigned in the wake of an investigation into internal department concerns, according to the Town of Didsbury.
Town CAO Harold Northcott advised department members on July 4 that a consultant’s findings on the undisclosed concerns "had to remain confidential because the contents contained personal information regarding members of the department and information that could damage the reputations of those members and the Fire Department,” stated a press release issued July 12.
As of July 12, the press release confirmed five of the department’s 30 active members had resigned. The fire chief is not one of them.
The Town of Didsbury has been reviewing internal concerns regarding the fire department over the past several weeks, according to the release.
“Due to these complaints and reports, and in order to ensure an objective opinion on the situation, a third party consultant was hired by the Town of Didsbury to investigate the matter,” states the release.
The consultant was said to have reviewed all complaint letters and reports, then forwarded their findings, as well as recommendations, to the Town of Didsbury.
Town officials did not disclose who the consultant was or what their findings or recommendations were, but the release states action is being taken.
“The Town of Didsbury Council and Administration assures its residents that they are working diligently to rectify internal issues within the department and to implement strategies and an action plan that allow for a positive move-forward strategy,” the release states.
Didsbury mayor Rhonda Hunter would not answer the Gazette’s questions regarding the investigation, focusing instead on the vital service the department provides.
“We truly appreciate the commitment and dedication of the firefighters of the Didsbury Fire Department who strive to be the best firefighters and the emergency responders they can be through many hours, and years, of volunteer time and their ongoing participation in training courses that add to their skills and abilities,” said Hunter.
The resignations leave 25 active members available to respond to emergencies within Didsbury and the area.
Administration and council “want to assure the public that our local Fire Department is able to handle emergency situations that arise in our area,” the release states, citing mutual aid agreements and existing skill sets of members remaining on the department.
-With files from Craig Lindsay
