Volunteer firefighters walk out

Anger in Blairmore after chief let go

Numerous volunteers at Blairmore’s fire department have walked out in protest after their fire chief was let go by the Municipality of Crowsnest Pass.

While exact numbers are still unknown — a captain says practically all firefighters have left, while the municipality says it’s about half — many of the volunteers have turned in their pagers and radios after learning Blairmore’s fire chief Jamie Margetak was let go.

“I’m hoping that he will be reinstated and we’ll all be back on and move forward,” said Captain Blair Painter, a 22-year volunteer.

“He’s been singled out and, as far as we’re concerned, unjustly terminated.”

The Blairmore department is united in the effort, Painter said. “I can confirm that 19 of our 20 members — we can’t get a hold of one of them — have resigned in support of our fire chief,” he said.

However, chief administrative officer Myron Thompson said that judging by the radios and pagers turned in, the number is likely 10 or 11 and some

I’m hoping he’ll be reinstated. BLAIR PAINTER

have since asked to come back, he said.

The municipality had 93 firefighters between Blairmore and its three other departments in Coleman, Bellevue and Hillcrest, and a search and rescue team. The volunteers are paid while training or on duty.

“If they are quitting, we would expect that we would get official notice,” Thompson said.

Thompson said Margetak’s dismissal is a confidential human resources matter.

“We dealt with it and can’t make comments as to reasons why,” he said.

“I know a lot of firefighters are struggling with that,” Thompson added.

Margetak did not return a call from the Herald.

Mayor Bruce Decoux said the municipality is in the process of bringing the departments together.

“We’ve had four separate fire departments within about 25 kilometres of each other. They are currently in the process of being amalgamated, which is quite logical,” he said,

He said he is confident the municipality can handle the issue.

“I’m not overly concerned. Our administrators are skilled in that area and they plan for all contingencies. The population is in no danger whatsoever.

“There is a lot of rumour and misinformation being spread about, and the fact is the population is absolutely safe,” Decoux said.

Thompson said the municipality is now hiring more volunteer firefighters but is also working with firefighters who want to come back.