A much loved member of the Cobourg Fire Department is moving down the road.
Cobourg Fire Department Acting Chief Gene Thompson will be leaving the firehall on Elgin Street for the last time on March 16.
Thompson has accepted the role as Fire Chief for the Municipality of Brighton which he starts on March 21.
Thompson who lives in Brighton, said when the opportunity to be part of the Brighton Fire & Rescue team was posted,
“The potential of serving in the Municipality where we live arose, it was a change I was ready for. Spending more time with my family and to be more involved in the local Community events while saving the 10-12 hours a week traveling was also a big part of his decision.”
Thompson said he will miss the fire crews in Cobourg as they are a very dedicated bunch.
“I have been proud to be part of Cobourg Fire Department for the past 9 years. Although we are co-workers, the fire service is more like family where you develop lifelong friendships that you can depend on.”
But Thompson said he is also very excited to become part of the Municipality of Brighton and the Fire and Rescue team.
“Brighton is flourishing with growth and development, they are a proactive forward thinking community with a very diverse landscape of prime farmland, urban/rural development, industrial park, with prime parklands, Lake Ontario waterfront and a great hometown community spirit.”
Thompson has 35 years of fire service experience, starting as a Volunteer Fire Fighter in Huntingdon Township now Centre Hastings and moved up through the ranks while working 24years at Procter and Gamble as Technical Safety / Fire Protection Leader.
Thompson started his full time Chief officer career as Fire Chief of Stirling/Rawdon, Fire Chief of Deep River and then Deputy Fire Chief with Town of Cobourg, over his career he has lead volunteer, composite, and full-time stations.
Thompson’s move remains within Northumberland County, where he holds the position as President of the Northumberland County Fire Chiefs association and Primary Mutual Aid Co-Ordinator and is very proud of how the Fire Services within Northumberland County, Northumberland County Paramedics and Police Services all work so well together.
At the end of the day, the fire service is all about teamwork, Public Education, Fire Prevention / Inspections and having well trained, well equipped dedicated team of fire fighters providing the highest/safest level of service to the people we serve when they need it.
For a man that wears his heart on his sleeve, Thompson is aware the emotions will likely come out on his final day in Cobourg but is very excited and looking forward to being part of Municipality and the Brighton Fire & Rescue team
The Town of Cobourg is currently advertising for an Interim Fire Chief
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
