Kingsville announces departure of fire chief

Leadership of the Kingsville Fire Department is headed for more change as the town announced Wednesday that Chuck Parsons is no longer the fire chief.

“The Town of Kingsville has decided to move in a different direction with its fire department leadership and as such Fire Chief Charles (Chuck) Parsons is no longer employed with the town,” a statement posted to the town's website said.

“The Town of Kingsville thanks Chief Parsons for his good service to our community and wishes him well in his future endeavours. ”

Parsons was hired in March 2017 to replace the disgraced Bob Kissner. Kissner retired while facing numerous charges for sexual offences against young men.

He was subsequently convicted of sexual assault and sexual exploitation in April 2019 and sentenced to five years in prison.

Parsons took over Kingsville's department after serving as the deputy chief and chief of the Leamington Fire Department since 2001.

“Chief Parsons is a proven and respected leader that brings extensive knowledge, professionalism and dedications to the communities of Kingsville,” Kingsville Mayor Nelson Santos said at the time of his hiring.

Parsons and Deputy Chief Jeff Dean both went on indefinite leaves of absence in September.

The town announced in October the appointment of John Quennell as its new deputy fire chief.

The Kingsville Fire Department has 58 volunteer firefighters that work out of two stations.

The town's statement said it “will be making an announcement soon about the future leadership of the fire department.”