The new deputy fire chief of the Keremeos Volunteer Fire Department said he hopes to boost camaraderie among the volunteers and be a good leader.
Former truck captain Brian Helm took up the post at the beginning of October.
“I get along well with most of the fire fighters. I’m hoping to bring further transparency to the officer role with the rest of the members,” he said. “I’m going to try and make it more inclusive of a process.”
READ MORE: Quantum 1 cannabis retailer scheduled to open Nov. 1
Helm, who has been a volunteer firefighter for 11 years, said he thinks his management experience at his day job as a project manager for the steel company, Warnaar Steel Tech, helped get him the position.
He called the series of interviews and competing for the job against his friends challenging.
“There were some chiefs from different areas so it wasn’t an internal thing,” he said. “It was a little bit intimidating, that’s for sure.”
So far, the job has been about tackling administrative issues and preparing the budget for the year.
READ MORE: Keremeos Legion silent auction raises record amount
Helm enjoyed being a volunteer firefighter with the department over the years.
“Especially in a small town, it is important to be a part of the community and give back to make the community a better place to live.”
To report a typo, email: editor@keremeosreview.com.
<>@KeremeosReview
editor@keremeosreview.com
Like us on Facebook and follow us on Twitter.