DEPUTY CHIEF OF FIRE PREVENTION RICK COUSINS APPOINTED CHIEF FOR THE PETROLIA AND NORTH ENNISKILLEN FIRE DEPARTMENT
The Town of Petrolia and Township of Enniskillen are pleased to announce that longtime firefighter Rick Cousins has accepted the role as Fire Chief for the Petrolia and North Enniskillen Fire Department.
Cousins brings with him a strong background both as a firefighter for more than 35 years, and 28 years with the Ontario Provincial Police Auxiliary Unit. He started as a firefighter in Brigden, then moved to the Petrolia and North Enniskillen department in 1990. He was appointed Captain in 2020, and then Deputy Chief of Fire Prevention in 2022. With the OPP Auxiliary Unit, he was the Unit Commander/Staff Seargent for 18 years.
Cousins is a proud resident of Petrolia where he resides with his wife of 35 years. “…I am looking forward to continuing to work with the dedicated and professional team of Petrolia and North Enniskillen firefighters to provide service and safety for all residents. I have always loved the caring and generous nature of this department and I am proud to take on a leadership position to ensure that the team remains strong, well-trained, and ready to assist as needed.”
Judy Krall, Fire Committee Chair, and Deputy Mayor for Enniskillen Township said, “Rick has the heart to lead this organization well into the future. His caring and nurturing nature will provide strong support to our firefighters, and to the residents that the department serves.”
Joel Field, Deputy Mayor of Petrolia said, “Rick brings a passion to firefighting that has been exceptionally clear throughout his career in Petrolia and Enniskillen. He cares for his team and is proud of our community. We are very pleased to have him lead the organization.” Rick’s new role as Fire Chief will be effective in January 2024. This appointment comes after the retirement of Jay Arns in early December 2023.