Chief Nadeau steps down as Eastman Mutual Aid District Coordinator

La Broquerie’s Fire Chief is stepping down as Eastman Mutual Aid District coordinator. 

Al Nadeau says one of the big events that stands out during the past 16 years at the helm is the big fires in the La Broquerie/Stuartburn area, and the help that arrived from across the province. 

"Everybody from across the province came out to help. I mean we saw trucks out there from Carmen and yeah, it was just amazing how everybody helps out when it's times like that. And I mean even when we go out, I mean we've sent trucks all the way Camper, Manitoba.” 

Camper is a small town located around 234 kilometers northeast of Steinbach. 

“It's nice to see when some areas are in trouble that everybody pitches in a little bit,” Nadeau says. “If we take a little bit from every hall, it doesn't show as much as deploying a whole hall and then leaving the community at risk. So, this is a way of getting a few pieces from each hall everywhere and reacting to where they’re needed.” 

Nadeau feels confident that his replacement, Taché Fire Chief Allan Rau is the right person to take on that position at this time. 

“Allan will be perfect for the job,” Nadeau says. “I talked about a year ago if he'd be interested and he said, ‘sure,’ he'd take it on. He's full-time fire chief for Taché, and this will fit well in his role there.” 

Rau has many years of experience in fighting fires and coordinating emergency support. 

"I have been at it for 43 years,” Rau says. “I was originally within the department of National Defense as a firefighter and then I joined the Lorette Fire Department after I retired from my other duties, and then I was appointed the Fire Chief here in Lorette in 2016.” 

This new role is being welcomed by Rau and he is looking forward to serving the region. 

“I welcome it greatly,” says Rau, “because it does fall into what I'm doing here in Taché. And trying to continue to improve the mutual aid district and moving forward.” 

While Nadeau is hanging up his hat as a leader for the Eastman Mutual Aid District, he will continue to serve as the fire chief for La Broquerie.