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Township of Severn has announced Ritch Lowell as the new Director of Fire and Emergency Services / Fire Chief. Chief Lowell assumed the role on April 3.
“I am pleased to welcome Chief Lowell to the Township of Severn and to our senior management team. Ritch brings with him over 25 years of experience complemented by strong communications and leadership skills that will help Severn continue to provide quality emergency services that support the safety and well-being of our community. I look forward to seeing how Severn Fire grows in the coming years under the direction of Chief Lowell, as he definitely stood out amongst the potential candidates, and we're excited to have him join the Severn team."
In his role as Director, Chief Lowell will oversee Severn's Fire and Emergency Services department in the provision of a range of fire and emergency services to protect life, property, and the environment. Chief Lowell will work with the support of the Deputy Fire Chief, a Training Officer, a Fire Prevention Officer, and a group of 65 dedicated volunteer firefighters across four fire stations.
“My sincere thanks to Council and staff for welcoming me to the Severn team. I am honoured to have the opportunity to apply my skills in this beautiful and welcoming municipality. I look forward to moving the department in a positive direction, and to serving the Severn community. ”
Chief Lowell's career in Fire and Emergency services has spanned over 25-years. Ritch entered the service in 1996 as a recruit firefighter with Fort Erie Fire and then worked his way through the ranks, holding the positions of Captain, Deputy District Chief, and District Chief before stepping into his most recent role of Deputy Chief with Midland Fire. In addition to his comprehensive Fire Services experience, Chief Lowell was a Training Superintendent with Niagara Emergency Management Systems for 13 years.
Chief Lowell obtained his Fire Service Leadership Certificate from Dalhousie University, and is a certified Fire Instructor (Level I and II), Fire Officer (Level I, II, III, and IV), Fire Investigator, and Public Information Officer. His training and experience in Incident Management, Emergency Management, Fire Inspection, and a series of other skills and varied professional development opportunities have prepared him for this role.
Council encourages the community to join them in welcoming Chief Lowell to Severn.
Learn more about the Fire and Emergency Services department and the Township of Severn on our website.
Media contact
Tracy Roxborough
Communications Officer
Phone: 705-325-2315 x249
Email Tracy