“2017 was quite the year for Puslinch Fire and Rescue Services,” says fire chief Luis Gomes.
Addressing Puslinch councillors on Jan. 10, Gomes said “emergency calls consisted of barn fires, mobile home fires, residential structure fires, vehicle fires and vegetation fires.”
He added there were multiple 401 accidents that caused injuries, hazardous material releases and fires also closed the freeway for long periods of time.
Crews also had to deal with fallen hydro wires, alarm activations, medical calls, drownings, mutual aid and many other calls the service responded to, in an effort to keep residents safe from harm.
Gomes pointed out it was a year of new faces at the fire department with three new probationary firefighters, four auxiliary firefighters, a new chief fire prevention officer, a new public fire and life safety educator and a new deputy fire chief.
“They have been great assets to the department and have made us a more progressive and effective service,” Gomes said.
He noted there will be more new faces for 2018.
In addition to an internal posting for a new public fire and life safety educator to replace Ryan Ladner who is leaving the position as of Feb. 5, Gomes anticipates the hiring of three auxiliary firefighters to maintain adequate fire service levels.
In his report, Gomes added “even with these new hires, Puslinch Fire and Rescue has an average of 10.5 years of service per member of our staff. This is double the provincial average. Our firefighters value their career with Puslinch and we receive great value in their service.”
He added “as the new fire chief, I am very fortunate to have such a great group of men and women working with me.”
