Termination of fire chief sparks furor

By Jennifer Smith - Vernon Morning Star Published: August 08, 2008

News of Coldstream’s fire chief being fired isn’t going over well in the community. Leo Lecavalier had volunteered his time with the Coldstream Fire Department for nearly 25 years, the last 12 of which he has served as fire chief. But effective Aug. 1, Lecavalier was let go by the District of Coldstream. Gyula Kiss, Coldstream Ratepayers’ Association president, calls the dismissal a travesty. “He’s a very dedicated fire chief,” said Kiss, who was able to work with Lecavalier during his time on council from 1990 to 1999. When Kiss was elected mayor by voters in 1996, the same year Lecavalier was elected fire chief by department members, Kiss says the chief was a delight to work with. “I have no problem with him at all.” What Kiss does have a problem with is the lack of reasoning for Lecavalier’s dismissal. “I know the fire chief was critical of how the new fire hall construction was carried out, but I don’t know what the real reason is.”

With the November election looming, Kiss hopes to see some clarity on the situation. “If they want to run for council again this year, they have to speak up.” Coldstream administration will not go into details about the termination, citing it is confidential information. “The only comment I can make is that he is no longer with the district,” said Wendy Kay, chief administrative officer. While Lecavalier was elected by the fire department members, Kay says council has authority over the position. “Fire chiefs are appointed by council. They are elected but their actual approval is done through council.” Department members are now waiting for direction from council for the replacement of their fire chief. Until then, deputy chief Lawrie Skolrood is taking over as acting chief. “In the meantime we intend to make sure the public safety is upheld,” said Skolrood, adding that his employer — Vernon Fire Rescue — has been very accommodating. But Skolrood would rather not be in the position he’s been forced into. “We’re all not happy with what’s happened,” said Skolrood. “Leo’s a stellar fire chief in my mind.”