The Township of Muskoka Lakes has a new fire chief.
His name is Ryan Murrell. On top of taking the top spot in the fire department, Chief Murrell is also the township’s Community Emergency Management Coordinator.
The township says Murrell has experience teaching, leading and working in fire operations for over 15 years up north in Dryden. During his time as Chief and Deputy Chief, he had many significant accomplishments including training plan development, a PTSD prevention program creation and the introduction of a new service model enhancement.
The township says the new chief is committed to strong fire prevention and public education programs that reduce injury and loss of life due to fire. Chief Murrell officially takes over on June 3rd.
Interim Fire Chief Brad Bigrigg will return to his regular role with the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs, providing fire advisory services to fire chiefs and municipal officials on May 29th.
“I am excited to have Ryan join our fire department as Fire Chief,” said Mayor Phil Harding. “His progressive thinking, dedication to training and appreciation for the safety of our firefighters and residents will balance nicely with our community and the new management team at Muskoka Lakes including our new CAO and Director of Public Works.”