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Chase fire chief hangs up his helmet

After many years of tireless service, Chase’s fire chief has officially relinquished his title.
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Brent Chamberlain talks about fire safety with school students – one of his favourite aspects of being fire chief. The longtime Chase fire chief has retired after a 34-year career.

After many years of tireless service, Chase’s fire chief has officially relinquished his title.

After a series of talks with village staff his officers, and some serious reflection, Brent Chamberlain submitted his resignation letter on June 30.

In the letter, Chamberlain reviews some of the problems existing within the department.

“Membership is down, to no fault of anybody,” he said. “It’s just the way of the world these days.”

Throughout the past year, Chamberlain worked to keep the department in the public eye as a way of attracting new members, and make the community more aware of those already serving.

He said the economy took a toll on membership numbers, explaining many Chase residents are forced to look outside the area for work. This leaves little time to volunteer back at home.

During his career, Chamberlain ensured each member received the proper training.

“Chase should be very proud of the firefighters they have, who are risking their lives to keep the Village of Chase safe,” he said.

Chamberlain’s pride in the department and its members was made clear every time he spoke of them. Earlier this Spring, he gave a heartfelt speech in front of council, explaining all that the department does for the community and the hard work they put in.

“You have some good people in that department; please give them your support and a helping hand,” his letter said.

Despite the lower membership numbers, Chamberlain does feel that he is leaving the department in a good place, including financially.

“I feel it is my time to leave,” he said in his letter. “I’ve been in the fire service as a volunteer for 34 years, mostly here in Chase.”

Chamberlain began his firefighting career in Burns Lake before moving to the Chase. He served  many years as deputy chief locally before taking on the role of chief.

“I think the whole time I’ve been with the fire service, the thing I’ve most enjoyed doing is teaching the young kids all about fire safety and wearing the ‘Sparky the Fire Dog’ suit.”

During his many visits to Chase schools, Chamberlain went the extra mile in an attempt to educate the local children and acquaint them with their firefighters.

Chamberlain would pick the students up from the schools in a fire truck to take them on a tour of the fire hall. This effort was not a once-a-year endeavour, but an ongoing event taking place many times a year.

Following discussion at council, Brian Lauzon was named interim chief until a permanent one is selected.

Council expressed their appreciation for the years Chamberlain has dedicated to protecting the village and it’s residents.