Interim fire chief to be given double duty in Ontario town

Clarington’s Public Works boss will be seeing double duty as fire chief for the next two years as the municipality scrambles to fill the shoes of retiring fire chief David Speed.

Speed, who was appointed chief in February 2023, announced his retirement late last month, with his final day Friday September 26.

Clarington will look to name Public Works Director Mariano Perini as interim fire chief Monday’s council meeting, with the term lasting up to 24 monthes, allowing for “uninterrupted leadership” while the town undergoing the recruitment process.

Financial arrangements ensure funding remains in place for the role, with interim salary savings directed to priority initiatives.

Clarington Fire’s David Speed at the tragic Bowmanville fire in March

The dual-role mode will also align with the anticipated opening of the Clarington Operations Depot and Emergency Fire Station project. The timing positions the incoming permanent fire chief to assume the role in time for the official opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony of the new fire station and training facility on Liberty Street and Concession Road 4.

The new fire hall is an $8.3 million project – approved in the 2025 budget – that will be funded through development charges.

Speed, a former Whitby Fire Chief, began his career in 1995 as a firefighter with the Markham fire department.