West Nipissing’s fire chief will be heading into retirement this spring after a career spanning 34 years in fire services.

Chief Richard Maranda is retiring at the end of May with pride in the department and the team he was part of. “It’s difficult to say goodbye,” said Chief Maranda. “West Nipissing has the best team of firefighters you could ever ask for.”

Born and raised in West Nipissing, he became a member of the Sturgeon Falls Fire Department in 1988. After being hired as a volunteer, Richard became a spare firefighter in 1991 and a training officer in 1999, upon the amalgamation. Prior to becoming fire chief in 2013, Mr. Maranda served to educate his community holding the title of Fire Prevention Officer, and Public Fire and Safety Educator.

The Municipality of West Nipissing thanks Chief Maranda for his tireless dedication to protecting this community and wishes him the very best in his retirement. 

A search for his replacement will be taking place in the coming weeks. “We have very big shoes to fill,” said Jay Barbeau, CAO of Municipality of West Nipissing. “Richard has been a valuable member of the senior management team.  His contribution to the organization will be missed.  I wish him all the best in his retirement!”