MD hires new director of emergency management

John McDermott has been hired with the MD of Smoky River as the new Director of Emergency Management for the region.

Emily Plihal
Express staff

Municipal District of Smoky River has enlisted a new Director of Emergency Management and Regional Fire Chief for the region.

John McDermott, who was born and raised in High Prairie, will be taking over the role vacated by former fire chief Ian Fox.

The spot which has been vacant since Dec. 31, will be taken over by McDermott on April 1.

“I will be getting my bearings for the first little bit, but I’m excited to be part of the community,” says McDermott. “I am looking forward to being part of the community, much as I was able to do in High Prairie.”

McDermott will be overseeing the emergency management for the MD of Smoky River.

He will be responsible for the three fire stations in the area, including Falher, Donnelly and McLennan.

He is leaving his long-standing position in High Prairie as deputy fire chief to work in the Smoky River Region.

“I have been working with EMS for eight years providing emergency services,” says McDermott. “I started out in emergency services in Slave Lake as a fire fighter in 2000.”

McDermott took a two-year hiatus from the fire department between his time in Slave Lake until he later transitioned to High Prairie.

He has been the deputy fire chief in High Prairie for three years, and has been an active emergency medical responder (EMR) for eight years.

McDermott also brings a long list of volunteer efforts to his new role with the MD of Smoky River.

“In High Prairie, I was active with the PARTY program, which stands for preventing alcohol related trauma in youth,” explains McDermott. “I was also part of this program in Slave Lake, and we’ve found the message has really gotten out to the youth in both communities.”

He says the program was started in High Prairie with presentations to children about the dangers of drinking and driving.

This program shows the children what is risked when someone drinks and then drives. He explains the information shows youth how an accident can affect all the people around the drunk driver, including family, friends and the victims family.

He was also part of the Youth Justice Committee in High Prairie. He says this is an alternative to sentences handed down by the court.

McDermott was also active with Fire Chase, an annual event held in the fall by the High Prairie fire department.

This community event is directed at providing a fun run and walk for community members to take part in, directed at promoting healthy living.

McDermott and his wife Marcia, as of present, are planning on moving into the Smoky River Region. They will also be welcoming their first child in May.

He completed his last day with the High Prairie fire department on March 31.

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