SUNDRE - Town of Sundre officials announced today that Alex Clews has been appointed as the new acting fire chief of the Sundre Fire Department.
Clews takes over managing the department’s budget, growing the department and maintaining full operationality after the former chief left the position earlier this month.
“I look forward to working with and supporting the town administration and council in guiding the Sundre Fire Department into the future. It is a great honour to work alongside the women and men of the department, and I appreciate the support they are providing through this transition period,” said Clews in the town’s prepared statement.
His colleagues and members of the fire department collectively endorsed his appointment to manage the department, the town’s announcement reads.
He has 12 years on the department and is trained as a professional firefighter in National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001 standards Levels 1 and 2.
He is being promoted from the role of training officer.
Clews comes from a family of firefighters. His own father, Ross Clews, was fire chief in Sundre in the 2000s.
Clews said athough fully operational, the Sundre Fire Department is currently actively recruiting volunteers.
“I’d be glad to personally meet with anybody who is interested in joining our ranks. There is nothing more rewarding than serving one’s community with integrity.”
The department is down to 12 members after news broke in recent weeks that former Chief Marty Butts had departed from the position, prompting firefighters to quit and community backlash with many people demanding he be reinstated, which local officials said is not an option that's on the table.
