Turpin wants to keep fire safety momentum going
New fire prevention officer for Port Colborne
Like the fire prevention officers before him, Charles Turpin will work to bring all of Port Colborne into compliance with both smoke and carbon monoxide alarm regulations.
“We would love to see 100 per cent compliance with smoke and carbon monoxide alarms in every residence.”
Turpin took on the job this month with Port Colborne Fire and Emergency Services, replacing Scott Lawson, who moved up to deputy fire chief after the retirement of Mike Bendia. Bendia also served as the city’s fire prevention officer.
Turpin came to Port Colborne from Welland Fire and Emergency Services where he was in fire prevention for the past six years.
“I’ve been in the fire service 28 years. I started as a volunteer in Welland and served 16 years as a career firefighter there.”
He came to Port Colborne looking for a new challenge and new opportunities. He said the fire prevention programs in the lakeside city are very innovative and forward-looking.
Turpin was already familiar with the programs, having heard about them through his involvement with the Niagara chapter of the Ontario Municipal Fire Prevention Officer’s Association.
“Port Colborne is one of the leaders within the community.”
The city’s fire service has been pushing hard on smoke and carbon monoxide alarm compliance since a house fire claimed the lives of four family members in December 2016.
Turpin said the involvement of the whole fire service and city hall in the programs, and the buy-in from the community when it comes to safety, is also what drew him to the city.
“I want to keep that momentum going,” he said, adding he’ll also take on roles of fire investigator and on-scene incident safety officer when required.
Turpin said he’s had a warm welcome from city hall, residents and his fellow firefighters since starting the job.
“There’s a really good group of individuals here,” he said of the fire service.