A councillor confirmed Wednesday the city fired Winnipeg’s Fire Paramedic Chief Reid Douglas.
Protection Chair Coun. Scott Fielding said city CAO Phil Sheegl told him Douglas was fired.
Fielding said he has grave concerns about the timing of Douglas' departure.
"I was informed he was terminated by the CAO. I wasn't involved in the decision. Quite frankly, I don't agree with the decision. I think it's somewhat inappropriate to take an action. We all know the fire hall audit is coming out over the next week or two,” said Fielding.
Douglas was previously criticized regarding a land swap deal involving three fire halls. Questions arose over how a new station was built on land the city did not own.
A report on the deal and other fire hall cost overruns is expected early next month.
Fielding said any decision about Douglas' future should have been made after the report's findings were released.
The United Fire Fighters of Winnipeg, Local 867, issued a statement Wednesday.
In the statement, it said it is not aware of the reasons for Reid’s termination.
"Fire Chief Reid Douglas has over thirty-five (35) years with the Winnipeg Fire Department, ranging from being a Fire Fighter to being the Fire Chief. He has served the citizens of this great city and has risked his life in fires,” said the union in its statement.
“Again, we are not privy to the reasons for his termination but we can say that he always had the best interest of the Fire Department and the Public in mind when doing his duty and his heart has always been in the right place.”
An internal memo obtained by CTV News states acting Chief Bill Clark will stay in his position while a new chief is found over the next few months.
- with a report from Jeff Keele
