DIDSBURY - The Didsbury Fire Department will be welcoming back several of the previously-resigned firefighters, according to a press release from the town dated Oct. 17.
"The Town of Didsbury is pleased to announce that a recent recruitment campaign realized five new members who have already begun the training program, as well as three additional applications that are in the review process," CAO Harold Northcott said in the release. "The Town of Didsbury is also excited to welcome back many (seven) of the previously-resigned fire members who will be returning to the fire department on Oct. 24."
"The Didsbury Fire Department (DFD) has seen a challenging few months with the resignation of a number of members, a full safety audit and a change in leadership of the fire chief."
The Town of Didsbury is confident that the department is now moving forward, he said.
"As of Oct. 24, the number of active members of the department will be 29, with the goal of having 40 members in the near future."
Northcott said that Deron Reimer, manager of protective services for the town, will remain as acting fire chief.
Reimer was appointed by the town after former fire chief Craig Martin resigned on Sept. 24 following the resignation of at least eight DFD members and two separate audits of the department.
"After a difficult few months, the Didsbury Fire Department is well on its way to rebuilding itself with the addition of five new recruits, appointment of three deputy fire chiefs, as well as the returning members," said Northcott.
"Council and the Town of Didsbury offer our sincere gratitude to those members who remained active over the past few months, ensuring that our community remained safe and protected. This is a very positive development and a successful result for the fire department, community and the Town of Didsbury."
