It's been more than seven weeks since the District of Coldstream dismissed the volunteer fire chief from his duties.
Since then, the only answer as to why chief Leo Lecavalier was fired has been, "no comment."
Now, the politicians are finally saying something. And they must be applauded for that.
Unfortunately, any Coldstream residents searching for answers to the dismissal of a man who has dedicated 25-years, won't find any in the district's statement.
But what they will find is an attempt by council to mend its relationship with the firefighters, which is hanging on by an invisible thread.
Council is confident it can resolve the issues and it deserves praise for at least trying, and making that first step.
Unfortunately, it likely won't be that easy.
There are approximately 54 firefighters between the two fire halls. Of those 54, it's likely that the events leading up to and the actual firing of Lecavalier have left a bitter taste in many of those mouths.
Just one example is how many of those volunteer firefighters are feeling bullied – fearing for their own jobs.
That's a lot of trust and respect that needs to be built back up.
And anyone who has had to build back trust in someone knows that it is a difficult process that doesn't happen overnight.
So while the apparent intention of the District of Coldstream seems well, it's seven weeks too late. It's a nice attempt to rectify the problem, but to some, it will appear as nothing more than simply saving face.
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It took seven weeks for Council to speak up, but there are only seven weeks left for "...council to mend its relationship with the firefighters". Can they do it?
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