By Cecilia Nasmith
The Town of Cobourg has announced that, effective Oct. 24, Ellard Beaven will assume the role of Fire Chief for the Cobourg Fire Department – after having held the position of Interim Fire Chief since April.
The announcement noted Beaven's “wealth of leadership, public-safety knowledge and passion for the community he serves. He is well versed in labour relations, focused on relationship building, an has provided both management and leadership oversight to large and diverse groups of stakeholders, elected officials and staff. Mr. Beaven has also played a strong role within the community and several professional associations.”
Chief Administrative Officer Tracey Vaughan said that the chief's leadership, passion for community safety and past experience make him an exceptional candidate for the position.
“During his tenure with the town as Interim Chief, he introduced several key operational improvements, enhanced the training and development of fire department personnel, and worked to build relationships and the flow of communication with council and our community stakeholders,” Vaughan listed.
“We are very excited to see the further growth and development of the department under his leadership.”
Prior to joining the town force, Beaven served as Deputy Fire Chief with the Timmins Fire Department, where he led the operations of 28 suppression staff, two training officers, tree fire-prevention officers and 130 vounteer firefighters. Throughout his career with the Timmins Fire Department, he attended working fire and rescue calls, managed the budget, took command when required under the incident command system, and ensured firefighters adhered to the Protection and Prevention Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 21 guidance notes and all operational procedures and guidelines.
As well, Beaven was previously President of the Timmins Professional Firefighters Association, Grievance Committee Chair, Health and Safety Chair and Negotiations Committee Member. He also represented the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs on the Occupational Health and Safety Committee as well as the Section 21 Committee.
In Cobourg, he has become a trusted member of the community and an informational leader for the town's Senior Management staff, leading by example and providing on-going support and membership. In the Interim Chief position, he managed the on-going renovations to the Cobourg Fire Department.
“Cobourg has a professional and highly trained staff in the fire department,” the new fire chief said.
“It has been my pleasure to work alongside these men and women this past year,” he commented.
“I look forward to leading this team as we continue to work with our community stakeholders to ensure community safety with focus on firefighter health and safety.”
The Town of Cobourg looks forward to inviting members of the community to the fire hall on Elgin Street to tour the updated facility and attend the formal swearing-in ceremony for Chief Beaven. Additional details will be provided as soon as they are available.
