The newly appointed chief of the Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department has a long history of fire service.
Petrolia council appointed Jay Arns to the position during a special meeting Tuesday.
Arns, who starts March 26, will also serve as community emergency coordinator and by-law enforcement officer for the town.
"Mr. Arns history of progressive thinking in all areas of providing fire service to the public and providing professional development to all members is a very important aspect of this position, and we are looking forward to the strong relationships that he will develop with all stakeholders and service providers," says Petrolia Chief Administrative Officer/Treasurer Rick Charlebois. "We are delighted that Mr. Arns has a strong history of community involvement and that he is focused on giving back to his community. We look forward to welcoming him to Petrolia."
Arns started his career in Calgary where he retired as a hazardous materials officer.
He was the coordinator and professor of Fire Science and Pre-Firefighting at Lambton College, most recently worked as a training captain for Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services and is an active volunteer for the Point Edward Fire Department.
Arns replaced Lawrence Swift who became the first full-time fire chief in Lambton Shores at the end of January.
