The Municipality of Leamington is pleased to announce that Don Williamson will take on the new interim role of Fire Chief of Leamington Fire Services while also continuing to serve as Fire Chief for the Municipality of Lakeshore.

At its meeting held May 2, 2023, Lakeshore Council approved entering into a shared services agreement with Leamington to temporarily share the services of Lakeshore’s Fire Chief.

The agreement is for a period of up to a four-month term and is subject to extension with the agreement of both parties for additional time up to a maximum of four months.

Chief Williamson will provide oversight of the Leamington Fire Service in the statutory role of Fire Chief, pending the receipt of recommendations from the Municipality of Leamington’s Fire Master Plan, slated for early summer, which recommendations are expected to inform the future recruitment process.

Responsibility for day-to-day operations in Leamington will remain with the Leamington Deputy Fire Chief and the Assistant Deputy Fire Chief.

Chief Williamson, whose fire career began in 1986, joined the Municipality of Lakeshore in 2003 as the first full-time Deputy Chief and was promoted to Fire Chief in 2005.

Williamson has an extensive educational background with professional designations recognized by both the Ontario and Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs including Certified Municipal Manager, Fire Service Executive, Fire Suppression Professional, Emergency Management Professional and Fire Officer.

He also holds National Fire Protection Association recognition as a certified firefighter, fire service training officer, fire inspector, fire investigator and public information officer.

“We are very appreciative to Lakeshore Council and to Chief Williamson for assuming the interim role of Fire Chief,” said Mayor Hilda MacDonald. “His extensive experience and dedication to the fire service make him an excellent choice to lead our department. It’s wonderful when neighbours can work together and share services for the benefit of both communities.”

“In the fire service, we know that cooperation is critical to our shared success,” said Fire Chief Williamson. “This agreement is another excellent opportunity to support our neighbours in Leamington and I look forward to joining their team throughout this transition period.”

Chief Williamson’s appointment follows the departure of Leamington’s Fire Chief Andrew Baird.