SUNDRE — It’s official. The Sundre Fire Department has a new, full-time chief at the helm.
Long-time residents as well as current and former members of the department will likely remember the successful candidate, who not only boasts an impressive resume but also previously served as the department’s leader.
Council heard the news on March 22 during the regular meeting conducted by teleconference.
“I am very pleased to announce that the Town of Sundre has awarded the fire chief position to Ross Clews,” said Linda Nelson, chief administrative officer, during her report to council.
“Long-term residents and firefighters may recognize Ross’s name, as he actually trained many of the current and past members of the fire department,” said Nelson.
Since about 2013, or for at least the last three terms of council, there have been ongoing discussions to hire a part- or full-time fire chief, she said during her presentation, adding that council had previously approved a full-time fire chief position to begin this year.
The recruitment process, she elaborated, began Jan. 4, with the closing date for applicants on Jan. 22.
“We received several resumes from a number of very qualified professionals,” she said.
The municipality commissioned consulting firm Behr Integrated Solutions to participate in the process to provide professional advice.
Each applicant was initially interviewed by phone, which led to four potential candidates who were then asked to complete a written challenge.
That step further narrowed the short list down to three contenders. Following a final round of interviews, she said Clews was offered the position.
“I want to make sure council understands that this was not an easy decision as we had some very qualified professionals apply,” said Nelson, adding the three finalists were all “outstanding from the perspective of Behr (Integrated Solutions) and the town.”
Clews comes highly qualified with no shortage of experience and many years of service already under his belt.
With past experience as a firefighter, Clews previously served as a training officer, safety codes officer and eventually Sundre’s fire chief from 1998-2010, she said, also describing him at one point as an instructor, coach and mentor who is highly skilled in emergency response training.
Following Nelson’s presentation, council unanimously carried a motion accepting the report for information.
Clews started his position on Monday, March 22.
Editor's note: This article has been updated from the original to reflect Behr Integrated Solutions correct name.
