Prince Edward County is on the hunt for a new Fire Chief, but they shouldn’t be for long, in my opinion.
In a sudden move that leaves a bit to be explained (to be honest), Prince Edward county has parted ways with now former-Chief Chad Brown, saying simply that he is ‘no longer an employee’ of the municipality. No other details were provided, but CAO Adam Goheen said the recruitment process will get underway “fairly shortly”.
Without trying to unduly influence the people making that call in the county, the obvious choice is already on the payroll.
Deputy Fire Chief Tim Kraemer would be an excellent choice to take over the big chair, if he wants it.
To be a Fire Chief, you have to understand all aspects of the service, be an effective communicator and planner, and inspire confidence in both the municipality and the public.
I have never heard a bad word expressed about Kraemer, who knows the service inside and out after joining as a volunteer firefighter in 2009 before becoming a career firefighter in 2013 and Deputy Chief in 2020.
His communication skills are exemplary and he relays the critical details to the public and the media in clear and easy to understand language.
He also cares passionately about the service, the people who work so hard to protect lives and property and Prince Edward County itself.
When you have someone that good in your corner, you reward and promote them. Not doing so would not only be ill-advised, but may undermine the very protection and security they have helped to establish.
I’m Paul Martin and that’s what I see looking Beyond the Headlines.
(PAUL MARTIN)
