“Chief Prevost has provided strong management and exemplary leadership of Welland’s Fire Service. He is to be commended for his passion and dedication to the Fire Service and his commitment to the safety of our community and the City’s firefighters,” said Welland’s Chief Administrative Officer Gary Long.
Welland, ON−The City of Welland’s Chief of Fire and Emergency Services, Denys Prevost, has announced his retirement after 39 years in the fire service, including 10 years as Welland’s Fire Chief and Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC).
Chief Prevost joined the Waverley NS Fire Department in 1977 as a volunteer firefighter, continuing for 18 more years with Cole Harbour, and finally Cobourg’s fire department. Trained as a mechanical engineer he worked for 17 years as an engineer and engineering manager, as well as an industrial fire chief for several large multinational corporations in the petro-chemical and nuclear industries. Chief Prevost left the private sector in 1998 for a position as Fire Chief with the Town of Haldimand, and then Fire Chief with Norfolk County before joining the City of Welland in 2006
“Chief Prevost has provided strong management and exemplary leadership of Welland’s Fire Service. He is to be commended for his passion and dedication to the Fire Service and his commitment to the safety of our community and the City’s firefighters,” said Welland’s Chief Administrative Officer Gary Long. “He has also been an integral part of our Corporate Management Team and has provided City Council with insightful knowledge, strategic advice, and sound recommendations.”
Highlights from Chief Prevost’s term as the City of Welland’s Fire Chief:
- Welland’s Fire Service is regarded across the province as a leader in innovation, technology, service delivery, and firefighter education;
- Strengthened working relationships between management, volunteer and career firefighters are contributing to good morale and improved service delivery;
- The effectiveness and impact of fire prevention and public safety education has been raised in Welland during a time of profound challenge to meet escalating requirements;
- Firefighter knowledge, skills development, proven ability, and succession planning are a significant focus and are actively supported by both labour and management;
- Council support of sustainable funding for investment in critical programs such as vehicle replacement and key tools that improve service delivery and personnel safety;
- A comprehensive study of service demands, performance, and present/future needs identified a facility rationalization opportunity and proposed a strategic plan to assure the future delivery of a cost effective and growing service that meets public expectations;
- Chief Prevost has contributed perspective and expertise through participation on many regional and provincial boards, advisory groups, committees and associations;
- Over the past 10 years Chief Prevost has served as the Provincial Fire Coordinator for Niagara Region.
“It has been an honour and a privilege being the Fire Chief in Welland for the past 10 years,” said Chief Prevost. “This City must stand tall and be proud. I have served in 8 fire departments over the last 39 years and everyone has been a unique experience. What I will remember most from Welland is the teamwork that enabled us to accomplish so much despite significant difficulties. We did it together along with knowledge, innovation, consideration, imagination and leadership at all levels.”Chief Prevost’s last day in the office will be September 2nd. He and his wife are retiring to Halifax, Nova Scotia, where they have many family members and friends. City Council will provide an update regarding the Fire Chief’s position at their August 23rd Council meeting.
