The Town of Amherstburg has officially hired former Windsor Fire Chief Bruce Montone.
Town council passed the bylaw Monday night.
Mayor Aldo DiCarlo says the town is about to embark on a new fire plan, and Fire Chief Al Reaume is ready to call it a career.
"He said, 'you know now's a good time because everything's good. We're at the master fire plan stage and it just doesn't make sense, obviously for me to start something I can't finish and that would be bad for the next person too," says DiCarlo.
Another point in Montone's favour; he has had experience implementing new fire plans. It was part of his job in Windsor.
Reaume agreed to take the job at a tough time for Amherstburg's fire department. Back in June 2015, the town terminated then-chief Randy Sinasac along with two other firefighters. Complaints about the working conditions within the department prompted a provincial review and 27 recommendations including updating the master fire plan and equipment.
Soon after Reaume took over, Amherstburg convinced former Windsor fire prevention officer Lee Tome to come on board, but DiCarlo says Tome is not interested in the chief's job.
"We do respect succession planning; we just weren't there yet," he says. "Lee made it clear; he never wants to be a chief. Even with all his experience, it is a different role."
Montone retired from Windsor Fire and Rescue Services last year, and Stephen Laforet resumed his duties.
