Tillsonburg appoints new fire chief

Jeff Helsdon, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

Scott Tegler, who was the interim fire chief after the departure of Shane Caskanette, has accepted the job on a full-time basis.

Born and raised in Woodstock, Tegler started as a full-time firefighter in 1988 after working for the city in the parks and recreation department as a student while in college. While his career passion hadn’t been to be a firefighter growing up, while employed with the City of Woodstock at that time, an opportunity became available with the fire department, he became interested and thought he would try pursuing the opportunity.

Originally Tegler wanted to be a farmer, and studied agriculture in college. Musing about the switch to firefighting, he said, “I thought it seemed interesting, obvious things like helping people.”

He also grew up playing team sports like baseball and hockey and liked the team environment offered with firefighting.

Tegler moved up to an acting officer, and then deputy chief on a day etched in the collective memory of all firefighters: Sept. 9, 2001. In January 2003, he was made chief.

During his time in Woodstock, Tegler developed and executed the fire services master plan. He also led a multi-disciplinary team that restructured the voice and mobile data communications system to serve the fire department, police department and civic departments of the City of Woodstock.

Following a tragic event involving his family in 2016, Tegler made a choice not to return to the position. He and his spouse pursued some business opportunities and in late 2024, after hearing that Caskanette made a decision to move on, discussion of returning to the field as Tillsonburg’s interim fire chief occurred. Caskanette was Tegler’s Deputy Fire Chief in Woodstock a number years ago where they both began their careers.

“I’ve seen the good things that Shane did in the time he was here,” Tegler said of his initial reason for applying.

“Scott brings a wealth of experience and education to his position with the Town of Tillsonburg including over 30 years of progressive experience in firefighting, emergency response and fire safety management,” says CAO Kyle Pratt. “I’m pleased he put his name forward for our consideration.”

He plans to continue Caskanette’s plan and add his “own flare to it.”

“I like developing people,” Tegler said. “Since coming to Tillsonburg and seeing the people and where the organization is at, I feel there is an opportunity to develop the next phase.”

He talked positively of the professionalism and assistance of his fire suppression crews and dispatchers since arriving. Additionally, Tegler credits the investment the town made in the dispatch centre, and the contracts Caskanette added to bring to 65 the number of stations that are dispatched from Tillsonburg. These range from Fort Erie and Halton Hills, north to Gravenhurst and the Bruce Peninsula.

Tegler plans on following the fire master plan and mentioned the growing number of new buildings that bring an increased need for more planning and prevention. He praised the town’s volunteer crews but said more systems and people need to put in place in the future. Facilities are aging, and lack sufficient space and generally accepted standards of a modern-day facility.

“It comes down to budgeting restraints and the wishes of council,” he said.

A new fire station is in the town’s capital plan, but 10 years down the road. In the meantime, Tegler said they need to manage.

Besides fire suppression and fire education, the chief will also oversee emergency management and disaster planning.

In the short term, Tegler plans on spending more time becoming acclimatized to Tillsonburg. He wants to work on developing more business for the communications centre and stay within budget for the year.

“Then I want to have a deeper look and talk to council about the future,” he said.