By Don Urquhart, Times Chronicle
Osoyoos Fire Rescue (OFR) Chief Corey Kortmeyer and the Town of Osoyoos have parted ways as of today (Friday, Aug. 2), for unknown reasons.
“Corey [Kortmeyer] is no longer with the organization, we wish him well,” said Rod Risling, Chief Administrative Officer of the Town of Osoyoos confirming Kortmeyer’s departure to the Times Chronicle today. Because it is a personnel issue he declined to comment further.
Fire Chief Corey Kortmeyer (right) with firefighter Eileen Varga (left) marking her retirement in February this year. File photo.
Risling indicated there was no reason for anyone to be concerned about OFR coverage, despite the busy last month of the summer and what still could prove to be a challenging period due to wildfires because of the pool of talented firefighters and two experienced deputy fire chiefs.
“We are going to get through this busy time here, we’ve got some fantastic volunteers who serve this community extremely well and I know they’re going to continue to do so,” Risling said.
“We’ve got two deputies and we’ve done a lot to improve the depth of the department over the last few years. So we’ve got a lot of great people and a lot of great leadership skills, and they will be able to do their thing when called upon.”
Rob Huttema, Deputy Fire Chief of Fire Prevention and Ryan McCaskill Deputy Fire Chief of Training and Operations are the two current deputies.
Risling noted the extensive training the OFR firefighters receive, including their weekly Wednesday practice where they hone existing and new skills and techniques.
“We’ve got a lot of great people that have a lot of dedication and have learned a lot of skills so they’ll be able to continue to serve the community and the region.”
Members of the public and Osoyoos Fire Rescue members took to the department’s social media page to thank their former chief for this service and leadership. They thanked Kortmeyer for his “service and dedication to our community over the last four years.
“We will carry on his mission statement of ‘to make it better’. We wish him all the best in his future endeavours.”
Deputy Fire Chief Ryan McCaskill personally thanked Kortmeyer for all that he has done for the Osoyoos Fire Rescue.
“You matter, Chief. You did your best to look out for all of us, it didn’t go unnoticed. I know it hasn’t been easy, but please, take some time for Corey.
We got this from here. Thank you. Love you, Brother.”
Firefighter Dorian Wilchynski wrote: “Corey always had our backs. Gave more than what was ever required. Whether training, live fire exercises, running the scene.
“He breathed dedication and loyalty. Jumping on truck when he was on his days off, supporting and mentoring his members at all costs to make sure all go home to their families.
Truly an individual that describes self-sacrifice and excellence. He left the organization with a team mission statement . . . ‘Why do they call us? To make things better’.
Wherever you end up Corey, they will be blessed to have you. It is Osoyoos’ loss for sure.
“Remember when the entire team rang in at the end of every practice hands in the middle saying. ‘Ut ali vivant’. Translated: We do this so others may live. Thanks Chief for having my back. I will always have yours,” he wrote.
