The Estevan Fire Rescue Service has turned to one of its veteran firefighters to be Estevan’s new deputy fire chief.
Charles Olsen was revealed as the new deputy chief during Monday night’s meeting of Estevan city council. He views his new job as a natural progression, as he has made his way through the department’s ranks – serving as a firefighter, lieutenant, captain and training officer – during his six-year tenure with the department.
He has also sought out leadership opportunities through firefighting outside of Estevan, as he is on the national board for the Canadian Fallen Firefighters Foundation.
His hiring takes effect on March 14.
Olsen said the desire to help the community, the camaraderie he enjoys with his fellow firefighters and the excitement associated with the job drew him to firefighting.
“I’ve been taking on more responsibility, and working closer with Dale (fire Chief Dale Feser),” Olsen said in an interview with the Mercury.
He’ll be tasked with assisting Feser in any fashion necessary, including tasks such as educating the public and responding to calls. Olsen will also be in charge of the department when Feser is away.
The shift from being a paid on-call firefighter to being a full-time firefighter will be one of the biggest adjustments Olsen expects he will face.
“It’ll be a learning curve going forward,” said Olsen.
Olsen has been employed by Mid-West Surveys in Estevan for 26 years. He recognizes it will be difficult to leave the company, but he couldn’t pass up the opportunity to advance his firefighting career.
“I have nothing but respect for the guys over at Mid-West, and letting me have this opportunity to do the firefighting for the last six years,” said Olsen. “Being a paid on-call firefighter, I was at the fire station quite a bit over those last six years.”
Olsen believes his time in Estevan, his knowledge of the community and his connections in the city will be beneficial as he adjusts to his new career with the fire department.
