NIPAWIN — Paul Cockell, a firefighter with 14 years of experience in LeRoy and 12 as department chief and team lead for medical first responders, will be taking over the reins as Nipawin’s new fire chief.
The position was previously filled by Brian Starkell, who was awarded the role in 2010 when the previous chief retired. He remained chief until November 2019. In 2020 David Balding, a firefighter from B.C. with 35 years of experience, became the town’s chief. He left the role in summer of 2021.
Since then, the town has hired a remote fire and emergency services consultant, Corey Rodgers, to complete the chief’s administrative duties while the department’s officers are completing the chief’s on-the-ground duties
Until his hire with Nipawin, Cockell has been a full-time emergency medical responder with Lanigan Ambulance’s satellite service based in LeRoy. He has spent the last several years as a vice-president and zone director with the Saskatchewan Volunteer Fire Fighters Association (SVFFA). He has also had an integral role in implementing policy as the training co-ordinator, organizing the SVFFA fire instructor group for biannual fire schools.
Some of his accomplishments the town has noted include being awarded the “Star of Life” from the Saskatchewan Emergency Medical Services Association and the “Ambassador for Safety Volunteer Award” from Safe Communities Humboldt. However, the town said that Cockell lists his crowning achievement as teaching standard first aid to the LeRoy School staff and students in years past.
For hobbies, Cockell enjoys hunting and hopes to get more adept with his fishing prowess. His family also enjoys quadding and lists Fort à la Corne as one of their favourite destinations.
“This is a dream come true. It’s like getting called up to the big leagues,” Cockell said. “To have it in such a beautiful location so close to things that we love to do is just unbelievable.”
He will start the role March 28.
