BROOKLYN, N.S. — A longtime Brooklyn firefighter has abruptly resigned from his position as fire chief.
Andy McDade, who was instrumental in helping the Municipality of West Hants set up its own fire service, announced his resignation July 3 via an email to Brooklyn's membership.
The email, which the Valley Journal-Advertiser has obtained a copy of, was two sentences long. It read: “As of 9:30 p.m. July 3rd this evening I am resigning as a member of Brooklyn Fire Department!! Thanks for the amazing times and memories.”
McDade said he had “no comment” on his departure when reached July 4.
West Hants Warden Abraham Zebian confirmed McDade resigned from both his role as the fire chief and as the caretaker at the fire station. Zebian said his departure will not have an impact on the provision of fire services.
“It's business as usual, as far as we're concerned,” said Zebian.
“We have a great volunteer base that are ready to go at any given time if they're needed.”
The warden said Jason Cochrane, who is Brooklyn's first deputy fire chief, is filling in as acting chief until an election can be called.
Zebian said filling the caretaker role, which the municipality funds, is an operational task that the Brooklyn Fire Department would determine.
Zebian said council thanks McDade for his service to the county.
“Me and council and staff, we thank him for his over 30 years of dedicated service and we wish him all the best and happy times with his family,” said Zebian.
As for the reason behind McDade's sudden departure, Zebian said council wouldn't be weighing in.
“We don't respond to rumours, nor do we acknowledge them.”
