CENTRE WELLINGTON - Following Tom Mulvey's promotion to fire chief last May, his previous role of deputy chief of fire prevention and public education had been vacant, up until recently.
On Jan. 4, the new deputy chief of fire prevention and public education started his first day on the job, with Jason Benn fulfilling the role.
Mulvey became chief after Brad Patton announced his plans to retire after 18 years with the township.
"Centre Wellington Fire has always been on my radar. I've always wanted to work here because of the great team they have. The area is just so intriguing with the historic value and its geography. You still have the small town but big city feel as well," said Benn.
Benn has been a member of many fire departments across Wellington County and Perth County for over 20 years. His experiences in fire and rescue dates back to his days in Mount Forest Fire as a volunteer fire fighter, and quickly moved on to Arthur Fire. He eventually worked for Puslinch Fire for seven to eight years, and then worked at North Perth Fire.
He was appointed the new role on this past December when he received a phone call from Mulvey informing him of his successful application.
"This position oversees the public education and fire prevention initiatives through the fire services here; we want to enhance our services and bring it to a calibre that we're providing excellent service to our citizens and making sure everybody is safe while having fun," he said.
In 2018, the township council approved the budget for the Fire Master Plan with the inclusion of a new fire inspector and life safety educator position, and the creation of two deputy chief positions: deputy chief – prevention and public education, and deputy fire chief – training and suppression.
Jonathan Karn has been the deputy fire chief role since the announcement of the appointment of two deputy chiefs in 2018.
"I can't wait to share my experiences and knowledge with the Centre Wellington residents to make sure they're enjoying life in the safest manner. I want to make sure they're living life the best way possible," explained Benn.
