Former Sundre fire chief’s appointment rescinded

Department up to 17 members now

Simon Ducatel
Oct 3, 2020 9:00 AM

MVT stock Sundre Fire Department back — As of mid-September, the Sundre Fire Department had grown to 17 members after the fire chief and several firefighters left the department. File photo/MVP Staff

SUNDRE - Council carried a motion during its Sept. 14 meeting rescinding the 2011 appointment of former fire Chief Marty Butts.

The former chief departed the position in mid-August. Due to legal reasons, neither the Town of Sundre nor Butts will confirm under what circumstances he vacated the position.

While supporters of Butts called for his re-instatement and the firing of the town's chief administrative officer (CAO), council members said that would not happen. Several firefighters resigned in support of Butts.

On Aug. 31, the town announced Alex Clews would serve as acting fire chief of the Sundre Fire Department.

During the mid-September council meeting, CAO Linda Nelson also provided a brief status update and reported to council that the Sundre Fire Department now has 17 members.

“Last month to two months ago, we had approximately 21 to 22 active members. So, we are very nearly back at a full roster again,” Nelson said.

About the Author: Simon Ducatel

Simon Ducatel joined Mountain View Publishing in 2015 after working for the Vulcan Advocate since 2007, and graduated among the top of his class from the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology's journalism program in 2006.