Chatham-Kent council had a big discussion about Fire and Rescue at the latest meeting.
The discussion was prompted by a motion from Councillor Ryan Doyle.
He asked for an extensive report examining the feasibility, effectiveness, costs, risks, labour relation implications, call audits, and community impacts associated with staffing and service delivery models across CK Fire and Rescue if they are to keep the current staffing, implement hybrid staffing, and expand volunteer and paid staff.
"You're bringing a lot of data to not only administration, but to the next council to give them a data-driven decision on how they can further implement the master fire plan and if there are any improvements that they could make," said Doyle.
His motion also included an external consultant if needed at the cost of $50,000.
Doyle added that the motion was prompted by both the Fire and Rescue Chief Christopher Case and Assistant Chief Dan Parent being formally condemned by the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF).
"In my own opinion, I believe they were going after the Chief and the Assistant Chief because they were trying to implement the master fire plan, and there's parts of that master fire plan that the union might not be in favour of," continued Doyle.
Doyle's motion passed 12 to five, with Councillor Connor Allin, Anthony Ceccacci, Marjorie Crew, Brock McGregor, and Mayor Darrin Canniff voting opposed.
