Corey Coons was seen at the village office in Saskatchewan Beach, located 55 kilometers northwest of Regina, just over six weeks following his dismissal as the chief of the Silton fire department. He was donning his uniform on Wednesday, now part of a new department. Saskatchewan Beach, a seasonal community with a population of over 500 residents during summer, recently introduced the Last Mountain Fire Department. Comprising 16 former members of the Silton fire department, the department appointed Coons as its chief. Trevor Leggett, who had also been removed from his position with Silton’s fire department in August, will serve as the deputy chief.
According to Coons, his termination stemmed from his raising of safety and governance concerns. Silton Mayor Murray Wild stated that the council faced increasing challenges in working with Coons and Leggett, leading to the lockout of fire department members from the fire hall following the removal of the chief and deputy chief.
The interim chief has since stepped down, leaving Silton’s fire hall closed. Earl Grey and Lumsden will provide coverage for the area while the hall remains shuttered. Coons expressed disappointment over the sequence of events that unfolded but highlighted that many previous issues had been addressed, signaling progress.
Coons expressed gratitude for reconnecting with his former team members, citing their effective collaboration and understanding of each other’s capabilities, which bolsters his confidence as a leader. He emphasized his commitment to uniting communities to enhance firefighting services and area protection.
Saskatchewan Beach Mayor Corey Livingstone emphasized the necessity of the new fire department for the village, describing it as a campground with residential properties where people enjoy outdoor activities. The mayor highlighted the imperative need for fire protection, especially for long-standing homes in the community.
Moving forward, the village council convened a meeting to address the situation promptly after Coons approached them about the service closure in Silton. Livingstone expressed the village’s proactive stance in ensuring resident safety and emphasized the collaboration with neighboring fire departments to safeguard surrounding areas.
Volunteer firefighter Nic Skulski expressed enthusiasm about joining the new fire department under Coons’s leadership. Skulski, who had served with the Silton department for over five years, resigned following the removal of Coons and Leggett, citing a lack of accountability and transparency. The new fire department will operate from Coons’s shop temporarily until a permanent structure is established.
Although the Last Mountain Fire Department is not yet operational, members are undergoing training and scenario drills in preparation for their launch. Coons mentioned that the department will become active upon receiving approval from 911 dispatch, highlighting the team’s eagerness to commence their duties.