Lawrie Skolrood is ready to tackle new opportunities, and they may still include sifting through fire debris.
Skolrood stepped down last week as Vernon’s deputy fire chief.
“It’s exciting,” the 64-year-old said of the new chapter unfolding in his life.
“I’ve got some different things happening with consulting and there’s been some talk of fire investigation work.”
Skolrood was with the city for nine years, and he says being part of a strong team has provided him with a lot of satisfaction.
“We (department) provide a real strong service to the city,” he said.
“I worked with three chiefs and I learned from all of them.”
Among the areas the department should be proud of, says Skolrood, are operating the fire training centre and establishing a single command system for the entire community, including Okanagan Landing.
Prior to joining Vernon, Skolrood had already had an extensive firefighting career.
He served with the Regional District of North Okanagan for nine years and was a Coldstream volunteer firefighter for 18 years.
Skolrood admits his decision to leave the Vernon department was sudden but it was influenced by the appointment of David Lind as interim chief.
“I very pleased with the city and how it was looked after.”
Fire chief Keith Green has been on leave since the end of September, and once Green returns, Lind will become a deputy fire chief, joining existing deputy Jack Blair.
Lind is a former deputy fire chief in Cranbrook and Medicine Hat.