Saugeen Shores Council appointed veteran Station Chief and Fire Officer Brian Johnston to the role of interim Fire Chief November 8. Johnston will replace Phil Eagleson who was appointed Chief of Owen Sound Fire and Emergency Services Monday, effective November 22.

In a November 9 media release from the Town of Saugeen Shores, Johnston brings 41 years of fire service experience to the role, starting with the Southampton department in 1980. He rose through the ranks becoming a Captain and following amalgamation, in 2007, was promoted to Southampton District Station Chief. He was hired as the full-time Training Officer for Saugeen Shores in 2019.

In addition to Johnston’s appointment, Rob Atkinson will be taking on an increased role as the Community Emergency Management Coordinator (CEMC) for the municipality. Atkinson has been with the department since 2003 and received his Emergency Management Ontario 300 designation in 2017. For the past few years, he has been a Station Chief for Saugeen Shores.

Mayor Luke Charbonneau said both Johnston and Atkinson bring a wealth of experience and expertise to Saugeen Shores fire services. “It was an easy decision to appoint Brian as our new Chief, and we thank him and Rob for their commitment to the organization and for stepping up at this time.”

“I am excited by my new role as Fire Chief,” said Johnston. “We have a well trained and dedicated group of firefighters. I hope to expand on our fire prevention and public education programs, and I look forward to working closely with Rob to enhance the safety of our community.”