Glen Durand: signing off for the last time

22 Sep Glen Durand: signing off for the last time

Posted at 20:13h in News by Candace Gutsche

On July 23, we celebrated Glen’s retirement as #SAB Fire Chief with his family and the volunteer firefighter community from near and far. The Youngstown Community Centre was packed and we got to hear one last moving speech from Glen.

Glen started with #SpecialAreas back in 1982 and quickly moved into heavy duty mechanic work at the Youngstown Service Centre. In 2006, Glen started his role in Special Areas Regional Fire Services, becoming Fire Chief in 2008.

As #SAB Fire Chief, Glen worked with a community of firefighters to help keep #specialareas (and the people who live here) safe. Over the years, Glen has fought countless fires, responded to numerous accidents, and has dealt with almost every kind of emergency you could imagine. He modeled what servant leadership looks like and never lost sight of how important it was to support volunteer firefighters who answered the call.

Owen Francis, Director of Municipal Services, summed up Glen’s approach at Special Areas:

“You would think a leader in fire services would be this big burly Type A personality, barking orders at everyone and pushing people aside in order to accomplish the mission. This, as we all know, is not Glen. He is the kind of leader that can manage the aforementioned Type A personalities. Glen has the ability to come alongside anyone in any situation and, through his knowledge and professionalism and the respect he has gained, steer the pack in the direction it needs to go to accomplish the task and objectives that need to be completed, with very few even knowing they are being led.”

Jordon Christianson, Chair of the Special Areas Board, shared his thoughts on Glen’s impact over his 41 year career:

“On behalf of the Special Areas, I want to thank Glen for his dedicated and exceptional years of service. Not only to our fire departments and volunteer firefighters, but to everyone who calls Special Areas home. Glen’s impact is difficult to capture in a few words – he was a leader who inspired those around him wherever he went. Glen’s commitment to the people he led was visible in everything he did, and he modeled what it meant to be a leader throughout our organization. Thank you, Glen, for all your contributions to the Special Areas; it is a better place because of your service.”

Thank you Glen for always running in when others would be running out. Congratulations Glen on your retirement!