GRAVENHURST FIRE CHIEF BRASSARD RETIRING JAN. 15

GRAVENHURST — Another senior member of town staff is retiring in the new year.

Fire Chief Larry Brassard leaves the department Jan. 15 after eight years.

Deputy Fire Chief Todd Clapp will assume departmental lead upon Chief Brassard’s departure.

CAO Glen Davies also earlier handed in his resignation for near the end of 2021.

Brassard departs after council announced recently it will order a new aerial fire truck in next year’s budget.

A town release Monday, Dec. 21, said Brassard “has dedicated his entire life to serving and protecting his community, and leading an exceptional group of community minded firefighters to the highest standard of service.”

“I want to thank Chief Brassard for his immense dedication, passion and commitment to serving the people of Gravenhurst. We have been very fortunate to have such a knowledgeable, highly respected leader with the utmost integrity, guiding our fire department and the men and woman who risk their lives everyday selflessly.

“Chief Brassard has instilled his love, passion and duty into those who wear the uniform proudly and we are grateful for everything he has done,” said Kelly.

Added Davies: “Chief Brassard has been with the Town for approximately eight years. By all accounts he has been the steward of bringing the Fire Department to a newer contemporary level. His efforts to update and improve the fleet and equipment of the department, enhance the training regime, and instil high expectations of professionalism are all exemplary. In the process, he has managed to recruit a department that is as gender-diverse as any I have seen.”

Brassard has been an active member and volunteer on numerous fronts, from social issues to mental health and wellness. He embraced social media as a way of getting positive safety messages into the community and to build the profile of the department and Town. He was tireless in pursuing high standards of safety in the community and a contributor to the culture of the department.

The release said as a member of the senior leadership team, Brassard’s focus on leadership, accountability and collaboration will be sorely missed.

The town says it will begin recruitment efforts for a successor right after the new year.

“On behalf of the Town of Gravenhurst, please join us in extending best wishes to the Chief as he begins the next phase in life and a big thank you for his service to the Town and its citizens,” said Kelly.