Buckingham named LFD chief

volunteerism.

“My roles in municipal government and community fire services are two of the great passions in my life, and when the opportunity to lead the Lloydminster department arose, I found myself at a personal and professional crossroads,” said Buckingham in a statement.

“My council colleagues have inspired me deeply and I hope they have found my contributions over the past seven years meaningful and productive.

Firefighters Association, which provides support and guidance to 29 fire departments across northern Saskatchewan.

tinue to advance our shared mission to shape a safe and resilient Lloydminster in this new capacity.”

Buckingham was first elected to council in late 2016 and had to resign as the Lloydminster Charter doesn’t allow a sitting councillor to hold employment with the municipality.

Aaron Buckingham officially resigned as a member of Lloydminster City Council last Monday as he accepted the role of chief for the Lloydminster Fire Department (LFD).

The LFD has been searching for a new fulltime chief since Leigh Sawicki, who served

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the department for 43 months, resigned to take a position in St. Albert.

Assistant fire chief, Bill Heesing, has been filling the void since Sawicki’s last day on Sept. 18 with Buckingham picking up where Heesing left off.

With more than 25 years of firefighting experience with the

Lloyd department, and most recently serving as deputy chief to the RM of Britannia department, Buckingham was identified as the candidate of choice over all other applicants.

Buckingham is a recognized and passionate supporter of the community, which is apparent through his contributions to boards and

I humbly thank Lloydminster residents for their faith in me as an elected official and hope they will extend me their trust and support as fire chief.”

Over the years, Buckingham has held volunteer positions with the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce and the Border City Rotary Club.

He is also the Zone 8 director of the Saskatchewan Volunteer

“Aaron Buckingham brings a wealth of technical knowledge and a rounded understanding of the Lloydminster community; traits this council and administration value in their organizational leaders,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers.

“Though we will miss his perspectives and insights as a councillor, we have every confidence Aaron will con -

A councillor’s resignation could trigger a by-election, however, with the 2024 general election slated for next year, city administration will be asking the Minister to waive the requirement.

If the minister declines this request, a by-election must be held within six months from the date of vacancy. If declined, council will have to set the date for a by-election at the Nov. 6 meeting of council.

The financial implications of a by-election could be roughly $20,000, which the city has not budgeted for.