Two new firefighters joining the City service, Bethany Pilkington and Kevin Aleinik, return the team to its full -time staffing complement of 26 firefighters as set out in the current collective agreement. Today is their first day as City staff.

Pilkington, the first female firefighter to serve Owen Sound, served most recently as a part of the Orangeville Fire Service team, and prior to that, was a volunteer firefighter in Listowel. In addition to her firefighting experience. she has been a Paramedic with Dufferin County Paramedic Services since 2021.

Aleinik, local to Owen Sound, has been a volunteer firefighter with the Town of Saugeen Shores Fire Service since 2019. In addition to his firefighting experience, he is a kinesiologist and has worked in this field since 2016.

“I am pleased with the high calibre of firefighter applicants we received during the recruitment process. Both recruits come to us with proven previous success in emergency services. The City is fortunate to have Beth and Kevin join us as we work towards diversifying our staff and modernizing our fire department,” said Phil Eagleson, Fire Chief, in a media release.

City Manager Tim Simmonds thanked Eagleson in the same release for his work improving the department and "constantly learning new ways to enhance processes and modernize the service".

The fire service consists of two fire prevention officers, the two-person mechanical division, one training officer and 26 suppression firefighters.

Learn about fire safety and prevention for your home, including the importance of fire extinguishers, smoke detectors, and more, through the City’s website.

source: media release, City of Owen Sound