Former Lloydminster Fire Chief Aaron Buckingham has been named the new Chief for Melville, Sask.
Sitting approximately 150 kilometres northeast of Regina, the town is home to about 5,000 people.
Read more: Lloydminster Fire Chief resigns
Buckingham brings over 25 years of experience to the table and served with the Britannia Fire Department since 1998. He also holds the role of vice oresident with the Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Fighters Association (SVFFA).
Melville Mayor Joe Kirwan says Buckingham is a “wonderful fit” for the community’s volunteer-based department of about 20 members.
According to Kirwan, Melville council delegated the hiring process. Senior firefighters selected Buckingham, noting 25-plus years of experience was important to them.
“Aaron was by far the most outstanding candidate,” said Kerwan. “He brings to the table something absolutely critical for a fire department like Melville … really good experience with volunteer firefighters.”
Kerwin pointed to Buckingham’s calm demeanour and deep roots in volunteerism as key assets.
“We’re quite excited to have him in our community,” he said. “His goal is recruitment, retention, training and his connections with the SVFFA is key.”
The selection humbled Buckingham, after he left the city department late last year.
“It is an honour to be a Fire Chief,” said Buckingham. “The responsibility that places on someone is not taken lightly and to be honoured with this role is very humbling.”
Buckingham has already spent a few weeks in the new position.
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