MUSKOKA LAKES — The new assistant fire chief for Muskoka Lakes Township brings 34 years of fire service experience to the job, according to the municipality.
Fire chief Jim Sawkins announced the appointment of Jim Schneider to the position of assistant chief, fire prevention and maintenance for Muskoka Lakes emergency services at a council meeting Jan. 26.
Schneider started in the role Jan. 4, said Sawkins.
A Muskoka Lakes cottager since 1975, Schneider worked for 30 years with Vaughan Fire and Rescue Services, said Sawkins. Schneider said he started as a volunteer firefighter in Nobleton.
During his career in Vaughan, Schneider worked as a firefighter, assistant captain, captain and acting platoon chief, said Sawkins.
Schneider retired as acting platoon chief in December and took the position in Muskoka Lakes, where he now lives year-round.
“It is indeed a pleasure to live and work in the same municipality,” said Schneider.
Schneider received two citations from the Mayor of Vaughan for rescuing fire victims and is the recipient of the Federal Fire Service Exemplary medal and the Provincial Long Service medal, said Sawkins.
Schneider, his wife Lynn, daughter Leslie and son Mike have called Muskoka Lakes home since 1998.
“We welcome Jim to the municipal family and look forward to improving our professional services with his extensive knowledge, expertise and dedication to duty,” said Sawkins.
Previously the position of deputy fire chief was filled by Carl Prochilo, who left in March 2009 to take a position with the Collingwood fire department, said Sawkins.
The job description of assistant fire chief is somewhat similar to deputy fire chief, but has expanded, said Sawkins.
“The department is growing, so obviously the position had grown as well,” he said.
There are new requirements under the Ministry of Labour and Schneider will take on the respiratory protection program, said Sawkins.