Update:
In response to the resignations posted on social media, the Local Services Board of Gogama has issued a public statement.
The board says it has not yet received any formal written resignations, but as of November 20th, Ontario's Office of the Fire Marshal and Emergency Management has confirmed that they have received written resignations from Fire Chief Edward Benson, Deputy Fire Chief Christine Cloutier, and two others whom they did not name.
In the Gogama LSB's statement, it addresses some concerns from residents about losing their insurance saying:
"The Gogama LSB is not aware that this is true. The Gogama Local Services Board continues to maintain the power of Fire Protection Services for the community of Gogama within the boundaries of the Board. The Gogama Fire Department members' choice to resign effective December 1,2018 does not mean that the Gogama Fire Department no longer exists, it means that the Gogama Fire Department will undergo a change of personnel effective December 1, 2018."
It goes on to say that new staff will be appointed and trained as soon as possible, and in the interim, the Mattagami First Nation Reserve Fire Department has agreed to maintain the Mutual Aid Agreement.
Further, the statement maintains that the Board holds no issue with individual firefighters, but has "serious concerns with Fire Chief Benson's actions and lack of accountability" saying they were previously shared in a July 31,2018 Statement of Facts that are available for viewing at the board office.
Original:
There's a crisis looming in the community of Gogama, between Sudbury and Timmins.
The entire volunteer fire department says it is quitting as of December first in support of the local fire chief.
In a post to its Facebook page Tuesday night, the Gogama Volunteer Fire Department said that every one of its 11 members will be resigning from duty effective December 1.
The message came after a post from Gogama Fire Chief Mike Benson on November 18th, which announced his resignation, apparently stemming from a dispute with the local services board.
In a statement addressed to each member of the services board by name Benson said in a Facebook post:
“Open letter to Dan Mantha, Rachel Minarik, Andy Joduiin, Gilles Veronneau, Paul Derkacz
Ok, you win! I’m not sure what your prize is, but you can start collecting it soon.
My prize is about 30-40 hours a month of leisure time that I have not had since becoming Chief in 2005.
I’ve done my best to serve this community over the last 18 years, and have received accolades from firefighters, community members, fellow fire service representatives and the OFM. Everyone except you five realize the importance of a competent , well trained and progressive Fire Dept.
Your wish is obviously to set the dept. back 20 years or to disband it altogether, and I hope you are unsuccessful, but unfortunately, I’m tired of the struggle and have decided to dedicate myself to other, less time consuming purposes.
And so, here is the announcement you’ve been waiting for.
Effective Dec 1, I resign my position as Fire Chief. I wish the new Chief much luck with rebuilding the department. I also sincerely wish the citizens will back the new dept, by getting rid of the actual problem. I believe when they see this year’s budget, a few will be spurred into action.
To all the Officers and Firefighters who have had my back throughout this fiasco, Thank you from the bottom of my heart for your service, and especially your friendship. We shall remain lifelong friends without a doubt.
Yours in fire safety,
Fire Chief Mike Benson.”
Gogama is a community of about 450 people, located on Highway 144, about two hours north of Sudbury and 1 hour south of Timmins.
Along with fire suppression in the region, the Gogama Fire Department also responds to highway emergencies, and it played a large part in battling a fire caused by the derailment of a CN train carrying crude oil in 2015.
The Ontario Fire Marshal's office oversees fire departments in unincorporated communities like Gogama and told CTV News that re-staffing the Gogama Fire Department would be dependent on volunteers around the community.
They also said their office would provide training resources for anyone who stepped up.
The Gogama Local Services Board meanwhile said it would be issuing a statement in the coming days and declined to comment further.
