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Vegreville Fire Chief Promoted
Vegreville Fire Chief Promoted to Manager of Protective Services
Michelle Pinon - News Advertiser
After less than eight months on the job as Fire Chief for the Town of Vegreville, Mitch Newton has been promoted to Manager of Protective Services.
Newton started in his new role on July 12. He replaces Allan Weiss. In addition to his new duties, Newton will remain as Fire Chief until a new one is found.
As to how this new role will differ from the previous one, Newton will be looking after the administration of the fire services rather than operations. He will also be looking after municipal enforcement, including disaster services, adding onto his portfolio.
While Newton said he doesn’t have a plan perse, he will be evaluating the needs of all the departments. “I will be assisting and developing plans and budgets for all departments as well as looking after disaster services, and I’ll still be the health and safety officer till otherwise told.”
Since he began as Fire Chief, Newton has seen a dramatic climb in the number of firefighters on the roster. The number of firefighters serving on the department has increase by 17 people, four of which are junior firefighters, bring the total up to 47 firefighters.
Regarding the dramatic rise in members, Newton attributed the sizable increase to leadership. “I just think positive leadership all around the department. We’re making changes in our leadership teams and adding onto our leadership teams and I think just the members getting the word out that we have a great team and that team is bringing in more people.”