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Toronto turns to 21-year department veteran Bill Scheel as new fire chief

TORONTO – The city has a new fire chief who said he’s ready for the job.

Bill Scheel, a 21-year veteran of the Toronto Fire Department, accepted the head position May 23. Scheel takes over after the Sept. 15 retirement of former Chief Frank McEwen, who was elected council president last November.

Scheel is a veteran, having served in the Air Force, retiring in 2010.

He noted he was able to take the position after passing an exam.

“Council adjusted the requirements, because before you had to be a captain (to be eligible to become chief),” said Scheel, adding he wasn’t a captain when he applied for the position. “(The test) was overseen by the Civil Service Commission.”

The department had gone nearly eight months without a chief, with the two present captains running day-to-day operations, said Scheel. He added he was tapped for the position because of leadership skills developed while in the military.

“I honed my management skills through the military,” said Scheel, adding he’s not a micromanager. “I feel we have captains for a reason. There are certain jobs they have to do. I’m also a big believer in chain of command with my military background. What we’re trying to do is get caught up on things we usually do during the spring.”

Scheel emphasized the department will continue to train in conjunction with neighboring departments.

“We have two certified instructors here, and I’m a certified instructor,” Scheel continued, adding training with other departments helps them work in tandem when the need arises. “We then have a mutual understanding of what firefighters require.”

Scheel said he’s proud of the department he commands.

“I think this is one of the best-trained, best-equipped departments in the county,” he said. “We have a well-seasoned staff and great volunteers.”

One of the department’s short-term goals is the purchase of a new rescue truck. Scheel also commended former chiefs for keeping the department up to speed.

“We’re going to try to improve our tactics and make sure at the end of the day everyone goes home safe,” he said.

(Miller can be contacted at mmiller@heraldstaronline.com.)

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