Nelson Sergerie, LJI Journalist
GASPÉ – Tensions are rising between a group of firefighters and the Town of Gaspé over the direction of the fire department following the departure of former chief Carl Sinnett.
Two factions have formed within the brigade, which has 85 firefighters: those who were supporters of the former chief and those who wanted new blood and an improvement in the service. According to information obtained by people familiar with the matter, a dispute over the purchase of jaws of life led to friction between some members of the brigade, which explains the intervention of the Commission des normes, de l’équité, de la santé et de la sécurité du travail (CNESST) last summer.
It was then that some firefighters formed a group against Carl Sinnett and attended the investigation that ultimately led to his departure.
In October, The SPEC revealed a toxic environment within the brigade, which contributed to Carl Sinnett’s one-week suspension in connection with a harassment case.
The Town of Gaspé declined to comment, citing employee confidentiality. The CNESST confirmed that “a prevention-inspection intervention file was opened for the fire station of the Town of Gaspé and an inspection was conducted on July 23, 2024, to verify the implementation of the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the regulations applicable to psychosocial risks.”
At the time the Town ordered a study on the work climate. The results have been received and are currently under review by authorities.
Our sources within the brigade say that the arrival of the interim director Éric Fugère, who is also director of the Percé fire department, has caused further friction.
They claim that Mr. Fugère has been using a Town service vehicle “for personal purposes,” particularly in the Percé territory.
A photo of unit 148, taken in Percé during the Polar Dip in December, was even circulated.
Furthermore, according to our sources, the interim chief informed firefighters that more specialized rescues, such as water rescue, high-altitude rescue, and hazardous materials response would be required since the training of Gaspé firefighters does not meet the necessary criteria and must be provided by the National Firefighters School.
Our sources express concerns that citizens are unaware of the situation. They also allege that Mr. Fugère is making questionable decisions regarding the risk coverage plan, our sources continue.
On several occasions, fire stations were put on standby, resulting in costs for taxpayers, and the interim director did not know the Gaspé area very well. Our sources wonder if these situations are normal.
Several firefighters have left the department in recent weeks, some of whom had several years of service.
At the Town Hall, the mayor of Gaspé, Daniel Côté, also a firefighter is not commenting on this matter. Communications Director Jérôme Tardif wrote: “The Town of Gaspé wants to reassure the population: the fire safety service remains fully functional, and firefighters continue to provide security coverage across the entire territory.”
Regarding the departure of firefighters, Mr. Tardif notes that “With the improvements in our processes and the implementation of the recommendations of the work climate report, several fire
fighters have decided to leave the fire safety service. Despite everything, our staff remains sufficient to ensure coverage of the territory.”
The Town has made “significant investments” in firefighter equipment as well as in recognized training, to optimize operations and the development of our staff.
Additional measures will be deployed in the coming months to further strengthen this essential service.
Regarding the company vehicle, the Town mentions that the contract with the interim fire director – for three months – provides access to the same company vehicle as the former director, under the same conditions.
The position of fire department director is currently open for applications.