Central Frontenac welcomes new fire chief

Craig Bakay | Jan 12, 2022

Central Frontenac Township has a new fire chief/director of emergency services.

Veteran fire chief Chris McDonough has taken over for Jamie Riddell, who had been Acting Fire Chief. Riddell will remain on as Deputy Fire Chief.

After more than 30 years experience in firefighting, much of that as a chief, McDonough said he hasn’t hadn’t had a chance to tour all the facilities (planned for Jan. 11) but has had meetings with Riddell and said one of his first priorities will be a recruitment drive.

After retiring last April as Fire Chief for the Municipality of Central Elgin, a position he held since August of 2016, McDonough had been working as a consultant in Gananoque but “I missed the people (firefighters) and the job,” he said. “When I heard about this opportunity, I had to apply.’

McDonough started his firefighting career in 1987 in Toronto before moving to become chief for the Town of Georgina (north of Toronto on Lake Simcoe) 12 years later. From there, after eight years, he moved to become chief in South Dundas, where he amalgamated three fire departments.

After five years in South Dundas, he moved to become chief in Central Elgin.

He said he and his wife Grace will be house hunting soon.

“I have family that owns a seasonal cottage in the area so I’ve been up here quite a bit and have some familiarity with the area,” he said. “I’m looking forward to meeting everybody.”

McDonough’s position was announced at a special Central Frontenac Council meeting Dec. 21.