Kudos to the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) for taking a unique step in trying to resolve the acrimony and dissent that has divided local firefighters.
By asking all eligible voters to sign a declaration to throw their full support behind the incoming fire chief for Bonnyville's Station 5 Fire Hall during an unprecedented secret ballot vote on March 1, the BRFA has taken a proactive step to try and quell the feelings of ill will that have built up since 14 volunteers walked out back in early December.
The declaration states all eligible voters must sign the declaration stating their full support for the fire chief. If they are not happy with the results of the vote, they should man up and resign as volunteers, says BRFA chair and Town of Bonnyville Mayor Ernie Isley.
Veteran volunteer firefighters Lawrence Ference and Darryl Shyian have emerged as the candidates seeking the fire chief's position for Station 5.
As Isley commented, both are experienced, quality volunteers who have the qualifications to take on this important role.
There are some members of the BRFA board and hierarchy who would have you believe everything is running smoothly and all is well within the ranks of volunteer firefighters in the Bonnyville coverage area.
That would not be painting an accurate picture and would be tantamount to burying one's head in the sand because that is not the case.
Longtime LaCorey Fire Department fire chief Ulla Hansen last week announced she was retiring because of a simmering dispute between herself and the BRFA board. Ten other volunteers from LaCorey have decided to support Hansen and have also retired.
Hansen said she thought long and hard before coming to her decision and insists many of the longstanding issues between BRFA leadership continue to fester.
When the 14 volunteers in Bonnyville walked off the job in early December, they didn't do it for no reason. They felt their personal safety was in jeopardy and refused to expose themselves any longer to unsafe conditions.
Fortunately, a thorough review of health and safety practices in the local fire service has been conducted and new policies and procedures are being put in place to try and appease the concerns of volunteers.
With the pending election of a new fire chief for Station 5, the time has come to put ego and personal agendas aside and for the new chief and BRFA leadership to work together to create a united, safe and happy volunteer brigade of firefighters.
While there has never been any suggestion the level of service has been jeopardized during these conflicts, it can't be argued morale among dozens of firefighters is extremely low.
Hopefully, the new chief can change the climate of negativity and move forward with the support of BRFA board in a cohesive, positive manner.
The declaration signed by those voting clearly states that is their intention. It's time to put their money where their mouth is and work towards ending the acrimony once and for all.
