Rideau Lakes welcomes new fire chief

Jan. 23, 2024, Rideau Lakes, Ont. – Gene Richardson is the new fire chief in the Township of Rideau Lakes, Ont.

The 30-year veteran comes from the Township of Lanark Highlands, where he served as fire chief for four years. Previously, he volunteered with Drummond North Elmsley Tay Valley Fire Department for 25 years. Over the years, he has held positions of firefighter, apparatus operator, captain and fire chief. Richardson has also served as a municipal councillor in Tay Valley Township from 2018 to 2022.

Richardson’s knowledge of fire suppression techniques and apparatus, fire sciences, fire safety principles, theories, techniques, methods, and practices have been acquired firsthand while attending fire calls and through his education at the Ontario Fire College. Matched with a series of qualifications from National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), this knowledge prepared him to deliver training programs to groups across Ontario.

Interim Fire Chief Mark McFalls, who was appointed on Jan. 2, will return to his former role of deputy fire chief. Richardson is expected to assume his new role on Feb. 12.