North Perth Fire Chief Announces Retirement

With 2021 marking 44 years of dedicated service with the North Perth Fire Department and the former Elma Logan Fire Department, North Perth’s Fire Chief Edward Smith has announced his intention to retire effective October 2021.

Noted North Perth Mayor Todd Kasenberg, “Our community has consistently been made better and more secure through the long and remarkable career of Chief Ed Smith. He has nurtured our Fire Department to be an incredible local force. He has demonstrated a tireless and fierce passion for his profession and duties. He had to lead the Fire Department – and our community - through one of the most difficult experiences a community can have, and did it with great compassion and dignity amidst his own grieving. I wish him a rich and rewarding retirement, and admit I will truly miss his presence at the Municipal Office and as a key expert and advisor at our Council and Committee tables.”

Chief Smith began his career in the fire service at the young age of 21 when he joined the Elma Logan Fire Department. In his 24 years as an Elma Logan volunteer firefighter, Ed’s ability to lead his colleagues and protect his community helped him climb the ranks to Volunteer Fire Chief.

Following the amalgamation of Elma Township, Wallace Township, and the Town of Listowel, Ed was appointed as the first full-time Fire Chief of North Perth in 2001. After 44 years of fire service and 20 years as North Perth’s Fire Chief, Ed’s long-term leadership has been proven through his unwavering dedication to the community he serves and the inspiration and guidance he provides to his firefighters.

Chief Smith is a respected leader and highly knowledgeable fire professional. He is widely recognized amongst his Ontario peers in the fire service and by the Ontario Fire Marshall. This recognition was demonstrated when Ed was nominated by his peers and awarded the prestigious Alf Stone Award in 2015.

As North Perth’s Fire Chief, Ed has been responsible for the administration and management of the Fire Department, including emergency response, volunteer firefighter recruitment and training, fire prevention and inspections, and fire safety education.

Fire services and safety in North Perth have flourished under Ed’s leadership, and there have been many positive changes and improvements over the course of his career. This includes the construction of the new Listowel Fire Station and Monkton Fire Station, development of multiple fire apparatus specs, and the creation of standard operating guidelines for the department. As Fire Chief, Ed vigorously supported the development of a highly trained and qualified force. He has continuously encouraged enhanced training for the department, including the formation of a Training Committee, development of training standards, joint purchase of a mobile training unit, and the purchase of a hazard house to better educate all students in North Perth.

Chief Smith’s dedication and passion for fire safety and prevention has not only benefitted the North Perth community, but the Province as a whole. Ed was instrumental in the development of Perth-Wellington MPP Randy Pettapiece’s private member’s bill, named the Rea and Walter Act, in honour of North Perth’s fallen firefighters. The Bill is currently awaiting review at a legislative committee and a final vote in the legislature. Through this Act, identification of buildings that contain truss and lightweight construction materials would be required in an effort to protect firefighter’s safety.

“It has been an honour to work alongside a Fire Chief who is so dedicated to his Department and community and provides strong leadership through leading by example,” shares Kriss Snell, North Perth Chief Administrative Officer. “It has been a pleasure to work with Chief Smith during my time as CAO of North Perth and I wish him all the best in his much-deserved retirement”.

For more information, please contact:

Kriss Snell, Chief Administrative Officer
Municipality of North Perth
519-292-2040
ksnell@northperth.ca

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