GRAVENHURST’S NEW FIRE CHIEF IS BRACEBRIDGE DEPUTY CHIEF

Mark Clairmont | MuskokaTODAY.com

GRAVENHURST — Town council here has recruited the deputy fire chief from Bracebridge to head its emergency services and fire department.

Jared Caley takes over May 3 — after an in-depth interview process with candidates from across the country, says a town release Tuesday.

Caley has been with the Bracebridge fire service for 10 years working as its training officer, community emergency management coordinator and deputy chief the past eight years. Before that he was with the Municipality of Morris-Turnberry and the Township of Norwich, and has 16 years of firefighting experience.

The change in command follows the retirement of Larry Brassard late last year, who was replaced by interim chief Brad Bigrigg, who presided over the purchase of a new $1.8 million aerial ladder fire truck

“Jared is very excited to bring his passion for public safety, teamwork, and lifelong learning to Gravenhurst. We are equally excited for our staff and volunteers to benefit from his experience, expertise and leadership,” said Mayor Paul Kelly.

“I would also like to take this opportunity to thank (interim) Chief Brad Bigrigg for his oversight and assistance during the transition between Fire Chiefs as well as the stellar, ongoing efforts from Deputy Chief Clapp to be the steadying hand for the Department,” said Kelly.

“To have been given the honour to lead such a fantastic team of fire service professionals is the realization of a lifelong dream! I cannot wait to begin to get to work with them to serve the residents and visitors of the Town of Gravenhurst,” said Caley.

Caley has an arts BA from Wilfred Laurier University, a public administration and governance certificate from Ryerson University and numerous certifications and course credits related to fire and emergency service starting in 2006.

He is also a certified municipal manager III from the Ontario Municipal Management Institute (OMMI), with enhancements in fire prevention, fire training, fire suppression, and fire service.

Caley is very familiar with Gravenhurst, regularly working within the network of Muskoka fire departments and with top staff of the Gravenhurst Fire Department.

“I am confident that we have hired someone who is a great fit with the FES and the community, and represents an investment in the long term success of the department, added CAO Glen Davies.

“I would like to acknowledge the important input provided during the selection process by council’s hiring committee, which included Kelly and deputy mayor Heidi Lorenz, Terry Pilger and Graeme Murray.”

The confirming bylaw for Caley’s hire will be before council May 18.

Jared Caley has an arts BA from Wilfred Laurier University, a public administration and governance certificate from Ryerson University and numerous certifications and course credits related to fire and emergency service starting in 2006. He has been the deputy fire chief in Bracebridge the past eight yeas.

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