June 17 marked the last council meeting for Fire Chief John McDougall, who is retiring because of increased demands at his full-time job with Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services.
“It’s been a pleasure serving this community,” McDougall said after presenting his final report to council.
In February, McDougall was named acting-chief of the Mississauga department after Chief Garry Morden took a sick leave because of a second battle with cancer. McDougall officially retired at the end of March, though he has worked with the town on finding his replacement.
Last week, he said he feels comfortable leaving the department in the hands of Steven Goode, who was introduced as his replacement.
Mayor Rod Finnie thanked McDougall, who has served as chief since amalgamation in 1999, for all his time and effort over the years.
Finnie said Goode has some very big shoes to fill, although the town’s committee did a “long and thorough search” and all members agreed Goode is the best candidate.
Goode, a full-time fire fighter in Cambridge and a volunteer training officer with the Puslinch department, thanked councillors and staff and promised to give 110 per cent to ensure the department continues to run efficiently.
While happy to welcome Goode, councillors also took time out to thank McDougall for his time and dedication.
Finnie again stressed the stellar job McDougall had done for the department, noting while other municipal fire departments have had some problems, McDougall has continually guided Erin’s department “onward and upward” over the last ten years.
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Two days later, Puslinch Fire Chief Dan Quinnell was lauding the efforts of Goode in his department.
“We’re certainly going to miss him,” Quinnell said, noting Goode was going to try to stay on in Puslinch until July.
Puslinch Mayor Brad Whitcombe asked Quinnell to pass on council’s thanks and best wishes to Goode.
