Midland and Penetanguishene have a new shared fire chief.
Richard Renaud takes over the new role that also includes title of emergency services director January 23. Renaud, who is bilingual, takes over from former chief Paul Ryan, who retired at the end of 2022.
“We genuinely appreciate the work done by the recruitment committee ensuring that the selection process followed was fair, based on merit and included a comprehensive assessment of the skills, knowledge and abilities of candidates,” Penetanguishene CAO Jeff Lees said.
Renaud brings more than 30 years of public service experience to the towns' shared municipal service, starting his career as a paramedic in 1989 and joining the fire service in 1995.
According to his Linkedin page, Renaud currently works as fire safety officer with the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario in Ottawa. He has also served as deputy fire chief with the cities of Burlington and Greater Sudbury along with fire chief of Whitchurch-Stouffville.
“With his background in career, composite, and volunteer fire services with front-line and management experience, he understands what is needed to provide quality emergency services to communities,” the municipalities noted in a joint release.
Lees welcomed Renaud to the new position on behalf of both municipalities,.
"We look forward to working with him and I am confident that with his leadership, we will continue to deliver high-quality fire protection and emergency response services to our communities.”
Lees went on to outline Ryan’s positive contributions to both communities over the years.
“Without the work ethic, dedication, and leadership that retired chief Ryan illustrated, our shared fire service would not be where it is today.”
Renaud possesses a bachelor’s degree in fire & life safety, an executive diploma in municipal management, masters certificate in municipal leadership and an executive certificate in fire management.
He is a certified and experienced Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC), has taught mental health awareness programs, and has been part of crisis response and peer counselling teams his entire career.
For more information regarding the shared fire services plan, visit either municipality's website.
