Perth Wellington’s MPP is paying tribute to North Perth’s long-time fire chief.
The municipality announced on Tuesday that Fire Chief Ed Smith will be retiring from the position after 44 years of service come October.
Randy Pettapiece spoke about Smith in the Ontario legislature saying he oversaw construction of the new Listowel and Monkton fire stations, developed a highly trained department and established a training committee and training standards.
Pettapiece added Smith’s commitment to fire prevention and safety is legendary, not just in North Perth, but across Ontario with his work leading to the private member’s bill, the Rea and Walter Act, named after the North Perth firefighters who perished in the line of duty ten years ago.
The act will require commercial and industrial buildings, as well as certain multi-family dwellings using truss and lightweight construction, to be marked by an identification emblem.
Ken Rae and Ray Walter were killed in a fire at a dollar store in Listowel in 2011 when the building’s roof collapsed.
