Chatham-Kent Fire fills two assistant chief’s positions

Chatham-Kent Fire and Emergency Services has filled two assistant chief’s positions by hiring a pair of experienced local firefighters.

John Praill, a 31-year career veteran, and Adam Walters, a 13 year volunteer firefighter with Bothwell station, will be assuming their duties with the rank of assistant chief on August 8 and July 16 respectively.

Both Praill and Walters are long-time residents of Chatham-Kent.

After a career as a Senior Captain with CKFES, Praill brings with him advanced knowledge of firefighter operations including, Company Officer, Ice & Fast Water Rescue and Trainer Facilitator.

Walters previously served as the Deputy Station Chief in Bothwell. He holds a certificate in Fire Administration from Dalhousie University. He is currently an employee of the Municipality of Chatham-Kent in the Information Technology department.

The department has now filled the two vacant assistant chief positions.

“Our first goal for any hire is that they strengthen the service and help us continue to provide the best community safety we can,” said Fire and Emergency Service Chief Bob Crawford. “Both John and Adam will do that in their new roles.”

John Norton, General Manager of Community Development Services, said advertisements for the two positions went out across Canada. “It’s a testament to the training and professionalism of our local firefighters that they stack up well against those from across Canada,” he said.

Crawford praised current assistant chiefs Chris Case and Phil Thorburn for carrying the load while replacements were found. “They’ve been putting in a lot of hours and have kept everything on an even keel,” he said.

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