The Rural Municipality of Tache has named its new fire chief.

Mayor Robert Rivard says Allan Rau has been serving on their Lorette department for the last two years and comes very qualified.

"We're very happy to have him as our fire chief," says Rivard. "I think we really lucked out in getting somebody as qualified as him."

According to Rivard, Rau has 30 years experience in emergency services. More than half that time was spent in management, either as a fire marshal or fire chief. He is semi-retired from the Royal Canadian Air Force, working with the Department of National Defence. Rivard says he has served as fire chief in Cold Lake, Alberta, trained firemen and written procedures on how to fight fires.

"He's got all the qualifications anybody could ask for," says Rivard. "He's the only Level 3 fireman that we know of in the area."

Rivard adds Rau has training in shared services and budgeting for municipal fire departments, having written municipal budgeting and cost effectiveness for fire departments.

"He will be a great asset to us," says Rivard.

Rau has been living in Lorette the last three years and Rivard guesses it will be a very quick transition for him to take on the role of chief.

The move takes effect immediately. Rau takes over for Peter Skjaerlund, who was chief since 2005. Skjaerlund, will step down from the department and instead focus his attention as the municipality's Utilities Manager.

Rivard says there were a number of applicants to choose from, but only two were interviewed. He notes both individuals were highly qualified.

Rivard notes they will never be able to completely replace Skjaerlund, but he says Rau will bring a new look to the department.

"It will be different," he says. "Pete won't be replaced because he did so much for the Tache fire department, we could never completely replace that."

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Tache Seeks New Fire Chief