Prescott is welcoming its new Fire Chief to the community.
The town announced the hiring of Renny Rayner on Wednesday, who joins the department following over 30 years as a firefighter.
He’ll be officially taking over the position on April 1st, replacing the retiring Barry Moorhouse, who served as the town’s Fire Chief for over a decade.
Rayner, who’s called Prescott home for many years, says he’s thankful to Mayor Brett Todd, council and town staff for entrusting him in the position.
“It’s about culture,” Rayner said. “This is about people that dedicate themselves to the community and want to give back. I don’t believe in coming in and changing things just for the sake of doing so. I am most prepared to work with the entire department to provide the best level of service I can, and I’d like to be very visible in the community.”
Rayner was a dispatcher for fire and police services in Prescott back in 1989, before rising through the ranks, and becoming the Deputy Fire Chief at the Brockville Fire Department.
In that time, he says he’s learned very valuable lessons on how to listen, take feedback and treat people with respect.
“I just find when you treat people the way they want to be treated with a level of respect, and know that they’re dedicated. They come to work, and they have families. As for myself, I have my beautiful wife, Margo, my kids Owen and Sophie; I’ve always learned that you have to take time and make sure you spend time with your family.”
Rayner will work with Moorhouse as he transitions into the role in April.
In a statement, Mayor Brett Todd thanked the outgoing Chief for his service, and commended his successor.
“While I will very much miss outgoing Chief Barry Moorhouse, who provided unparalleled service to the town for the past decade-plus as chief and for many years prior to that as a member of the fire company, we really couldn’t have landed a better successor to continue that fine work,” the Mayor said.
Rayner says he is privileged to be a part of the team, and to continue to provide public education to residents in Prescott.