Photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue.

A long-time paramedic and firefighter in Chatham-Kent has been promoted to assistant fire chief.

Dan Parent has accepted the position with Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue following an application process that included candidates from across North America. He will fill the role left vacant following Assistant Chief John Praill’s retirement.

“[Dan] brings a wealth of knowledge and experience serving our community in a multifaceted manner for many years,” said Fire Chief Chris Case. “It is inspiring to see individuals within our organization progressively advancing and assuming leadership roles.”

Parent started his career in 1991 as a paramedic with Chatham & District Ambulance Service responding out of Wallaceburg. He became a firefighter in 1993 when he was hired as a volunteer with the Wallaceburg Fire Department. In 1995, Parent became a career firefighter with Wallaceburg Fire Department, which later became Chatham-Kent Fire and Rescue.

Parent was previously promoted to captain in January 2020, and qualified as a senior captain later that year.