Chief Beaven joins the Town bringing senior leadership experience and a passion for community safety
Cobourg, ON (October 21, 2022) – The Town of Cobourg is pleased to announce that effective, Monday October 24, 2022, Ellard Beaven will assume the role of Fire Chief for the Cobourg Fire Department. Prior to his appointment, Mr. Beaven has held the position of Interim Fire Chief for the Cobourg Fire Department since April 11, 2022.
Mr. Beaven brings a wealth of leadership, public safety knowledge and passion for the community he serves. He is well-versed in labour relations, focused on relationship building, and has provided both management and leadership oversight to large and diverse groups of stakeholders, elected officials, and staff. Mr. Beaven has also played a strong role within his community and several professional associations. Previously, he was the President of the Timmins Professional Firefighters Association, Grievance Committee Chair, Health and Safety Chair and Negotiations Committee Member. Mr. Beaven also represented the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs as the Occupational Health and Safety Committee as well as the Section 21 Committee.
“Mr. Beaven’s leadership, his passion for community safety and his experience made him an exceptional candidate for the position,” says Tracey Vaughan, Chief Administrative Officer for the Town of Cobourg. “During his tenure with the Town as Interim Chief, he introduced several key operational improvements, enhanced the training and development of Fire Department personnel, and worked to build relationships and the flow of communication with Council and our community stakeholders. We are very excited to see the further growth and development of the department under his leadership.”
Prior to joining the Town, Mr. Beaven served as the Deputy Fire Chief with the Timmins Fire Department where he led the operations of 28 suppression staff, two training officers, three fire prevention officers and 130 volunteer firefighters. Throughout his career with the Timmins Fire Department, he attended working fire and rescue calls, managed the budget, took command when required under the incident command system, and ensured firefighters adhered to the Protection and Prevention Act, Occupational Health and Safety Act, Section 21 Guidance notes and all operational procedures and guidelines. Mr. Beaven has become a trusted member of the Cobourg community and an informational leader for Cobourg’s Senior Management staff. He leads his team by example, providing ongoing support and mentorship.
“Cobourg has a professional and highly trained staff in the fire department,” stated Mr. Beaven. “It has been my pleasure to work alongside these men and women this past year. I look forward to leading this team as we continue to work with our community stakeholders to ensure community safety with focus on firefighter health and safety.”
As Interim Fire Chief, Mr. Beaven has managed the ongoing renovations to the Cobourg Fire Department. The Town of Cobourg looks forward to inviting the community to an open house to tour the updated facility as well as attend a formal swearing in ceremony for Mr. Beaven. Additional details will be provided as soon they are available.
-30-
Media Contacts
Kara Euale
Manager, Communications
Town of Cobourg
p: 905-372-4301 x 4105
e: keuale@cobourg.ca
About The Town of Cobourg
The Town of Cobourg is a lakeside community (population 20,500) located on the north shore of Lake Ontario halfway between Toronto and Kingston and has been recognized multiple times by MoneySense Magazine as “One of Canada’s Best Places to Live” in populations under 25,000.
Founded in 1798, Cobourg is rich in heritage offering a vibrant downtown, sophisticated small-town atmosphere and renowned waterfront that serves as a popular getaway destination. As the largest town in Northumberland County, Cobourg is personified by historic Victoria Hall, hosts a 27.4 million community centre, an educated and skilled labour force, flourishing commercial sector and supportive municipal government. Cobourg has received the Federation of Canadian Municipalities Sustainable Communities Award, accolades from the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act Alliance, and multiple heritage, environmental, and event awards.