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The Citizen, 2017-01-26, Page 9THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, JANUARY 26, 2017. PAGE 9. Sparling to leave FDNH, says changes needed A fond memory When the Emergency Services Training Centre first opened in 2004, it was a much more modest facility than it is today. David Sparling, right, remembers it fondly as he was able to take then -Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle, centre, for a tour of the facility that would train hundreds of firefighters in the years to come. The pair was joined by fellow Blyth firefighter Bill Burkholder, left, among others for the tour. Sparling cites showing off the community and the facility as one of the highlights of his career with the fire department. (DianneJoslingphoto) By Denny Scott The Citizen North Huron Township Council will be looking for a new chief for the Fire Department of North Huron (FDNH) and new Principal of the Emergency Services Training Centre (ESTC) as David Sparling has announced his departure. Sparling will finish his full-time responsibilities with the municipality Feb. 17, going to part- time and remaining on standby lists for the department until March 31. Sparling was installed as chief three and a half years ago after the passing of then -chief John Black led North Huron to a search for Black's replacement. Sparling stepped into the position after years as deputy -chief and taking over the running of the ESTC following Black's death. In an interview with The Citizen, Sparling explained the decision. "About a year ago it became clear I couldn't sustain the hours needed to do justice to the ESTC and maintain the Fire Department of North Huron," he said. "I've been working months worth of extra time every year since I started." The ESTC and FDNH both An important day The Emergency Services Training Centre in the south end of Blyth opened in 2004 and then -Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle, right, was on hand for the occasion, seen here cutting the "ribbon" on the facility alongside then -Blyth Fire Chief Paul Josling. Outgoing Chief David Sparling cited the experience as one of the highlights of his firefighting career. (Dianne Josling photo) require dedicated full-time leadership roles, Sparling said, to reach their full potential. Sparling came to North Huron Council early in 2016 and explained the changes were necessary and council approved a plan to have a consultant review the day-to-day operations of the ESTC. A year has passed since that presentation and with no changes made yet, Sparling decided to leave the department after 25 years of service. He will now join Blyth Cowbell Brewing Company, a company he owns alongside his brother Steven and nephew Grant. Sparling likened the decision to when Parkland Fuels bought Sparlings Propane and he and his brother left the company. "I like the people I work with," he said. "I'm not looking forward to leaving them. I faced the same situation at Sparlings and didn't want to leave them." Sparling has fond memories of the department and the ESTC, most notably when the ESTC was officially opened with then -Ontario Fire Marshal Bernard Moyle in attendance on July 30, 2004. "Having that facility allowed us to make sure our people were trained," he said. "We see people at their worst or during some of their worst times and we want to be at our best." Sparling said he takes great pride in the quality of service the department has provided and said he sincerely believes that the department does good work. "Every emergency, whether it's big or small, we do our best," he said. "It's rewarding when, as a chief, your firefighters do well." Sparling said being a chief is a unique experience because it's no longer him on the front line and he has to trust the people he has assembled and trained to do their best, which makes it all the more rewarding when he knows they did well. "Becoming a chief gave me a new respect for my predecessors in Wingham, Blyth and North Huron's fire department," he said. "No one is really aware of the responsibility involved until they are in the role." Sparling also was happy to say that, under new training guidelines recently released by the National Fire Protection Association, the FDNH has reached levels of training usually seen in urban fire departments with full-time firefighters. Sparling also said he's proud that he has been able to affect changes to safeguard firefighters' health. "We've had a real drive for health and safety since I took over," he Continued on page 10 Embrace Winter with some great reading THE BACKYARD Lumberjack mibnmg Farm TDoGI gs flip THE BACKYARD LUMBERJACK Whether harvesting firewood or cutting timber, cutting trees can be an important farm task. This book provides the ultimate guide to felling, bucking, splitting and stacking wood. Tips to keep you safe and save you time. $28.95 FARM DOGS: A Comprehensive Breed Guide Learn the history, breed standards and traits of 93 working breeds. Whether you want a multipurpose farm partner or a family companion, here's the ultimate guide to herders, terriers and earth dogs. $39.95 OUR LAND OF MILK AND HONEY The hard work and bravery of Dutch families who came to Canada after World War II is a story worth telling. B.B. 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