The Rural Municipality of Macdonald is turning up the heat in its search for a new fire chief.

Former chief Dwight Seymour resigned his post last month. His last day on the job was Nov. 12.

Seymour resigned to become the deputy fire chief of the Hinton Fire Department in Alberta.

"It was a surprise to us when he handed in his resignation, so we are trying to get someone in place as soon as possible," said Macdonald chief administrative officer Tom Raine.

Raine said candidates will have until Mon., Dec. 6 to submit their applications to the RM. The municipality hopes to have a new fire chief in place shortly after that, he added.

Seymour said that while it was a tough decision to leave his home province, it made sense from a career and family perspective.

"Basically this is an opportunity for me to use my skills in a larger centre," Seymour explained. "Also, my wife, my children and I really like the area. It is right in the foothills just before Jasper. "

Seymour served as the fire chief of Macdonald for a little more than a year. Despite his short tenure in the position, he said it was a valuable learning experience.

"I had a lot of fun working with Macdonald council and personnel," Seymour said. "I have a lot of respect for the people in this municipality and all the good work being done at the fire department."

Raine said that fire services in the municipality will continue as usual despite Seymour stepping down.

Until a new chief is hired, the municipality’s two deputy chiefs — Ken Langlois and Ken Fast — will split Seymour’s former duties. Langlois is a candidate for the full-time position.

Raine added candidates for the post must have Level II firefighter certification, fire inspector training and possess fire services instructor certification. He added that applications should be submitted to the RM office.

prescott.james@canstarnews.com