Scott bids farewell to brigade
David Scott has officially retired from his role as fire chief of the Kahnawake Fire Brigade (KFB). Since joining in early 1980s, Scott has committed 42 years to the brigade, climbing through ranks to become chief and eventually fire chief.
The station’s executive committee shared the announcement this week. Though he’ll no longer be fire chief, he’ll still be on call if help is needed.
“David has 42 years in the department and will remain an active member as a firefighter, and remains dedicated to the department and the community,” wrote Doug Lahache, vice chairperson of the committee, in a statement to the media on Tuesday. “The KFB appreciates the 30 years of service David has provided the department as fire chief and wishes him all the best in his retirement.”
His retirement began on Sunday, December 8. Assistant fire chief Wihse Stacey is taking over his role in the interim.
“He had been speaking about retirement probably since he was 50,” Stacey joked.
Scott is the third-longest-serving member of the fire brigade behind Arnold Lazare, who boasts 45 years, and Dwaine White, who’s put in 44 years.
Lazare, Scott, and Terry Diabo were the first ever certified instructors at the brigade
“We trained most of the members that are there,” said Lazare, who was fire chief for 17 years at the brigade before passing the torch to Scott. “The three of us worked together to make the fire brigade what it is today.”
Asked whether he’d consider putting his name in as successor, Stacey said he’s still undecided.
“Forty-two years speaks volumes. I don’t think anybody can gain the experience that somebody would bring from 42 years in 20 years,” said Stacey, who served in the brigade for over 24 years now. “It will honestly take me 42 years to gain the experience and knowledge that he brought to the fire ground. He was very clear. He had a direction in mind of how the incident needed to be managed, and that’s what was done.”
Lazare said Stacey would have his full support if he chooses to go that route.
“I believe he’s a strong candidate,” he said. “He’s young, he’s smart, and he’s got a lot of certification. I suspect he will be the next chief, but that’s just my opinion.”
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An internal selection process for the next fire chief is expected to begin in the new year.
