The Township of Lanark Highlands is pleased to announce the appointment of Stephen Rothwell as the new Fire Chief who will officially begin his role on February 16th, 2024.

Rothwell brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and education from his 13 years on the Lanark Highlands Fire Service as a Junior Fire Fighter, Volunteer Fire Fighter and Station Captain, in addition to his most recent position as the Deputy Fire Chief – Training and Prevention. During his tenure, he has provided a dedicated service to the community and is a leader in positive forward-thinking.

Rothwell’s qualifications acquired though his education and training from the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), inclusive knowledge of fire safety, fire training and suppression techniques, methods and practices, and firsthand attendance at fire calls have prepared him for the ability to serve in the position.

Rothwell, comfortable in a municipal government leadership role, has held the position of Public Works Manager at the Township of Montague since 2020. As the Public Works Manager, Rothwell was responsible for the overall operations of the Public Works Department including proper service delivery, long-term operational and capital plans, maintenance and repair of roads, bridges and other assets, ensuring adherence to and compliance with legislative and regulatory standards for the maintenance and construction of roads and structures, and human resources. Prior to his role in municipal government, Rothwell held other leadership and supervisory positions related to project management within the construction industry.

The Fire Chief is responsible for the overall management and operation of the volunteer Fire Department including fire prevention, fire suppression, emergency response, training, Fire Code enforcement and public education/community relations according to the policies and procedures adopted by Council and consistent with the provisions contained within the Ontario Fire Protection and Prevention Act. The Fire Chief provides leadership and technical expertise regarding the development and implementation of service levels, policies and long-range strategies, operating and capital budgets.

Council and staff are pleased to welcome Mr. Rothwell as the new Fire Chief and look forward to working with him.

“I am very excited to be joining the Township of Lanark Highlands, which is where I was born and raised,” Rothwell said. “I'm looking forward to this opportunity to serve the community, and work with an outstanding group of Fire Fighters.” Rothwell would like to thank council and staff for this
opportunity, and his family for their continued support.

The Township of Lanark Highlands would like to thank Gene Richardson who was appointed as Fire Chief on April 29, 2019, for his service and dedication during his tenure and wish him all the best with his new position as Fire Chief for the Township of Rideau Lakes.

For more information, contact: Amanda Noël
Clerk/Acting CAO
Township of Lanark Highlands 613-259-2398 ext. 231