South Okanagan’s emergency services supervisor resigns amid widespread flooding

PENTICTON – The regional district is losing its emergency operations supervisor during a critical period.

Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen Emergency Services Supervisor Dale Kronebusch says his last day at the regional district will be June 15.

Kronebusch’s departure comes at a busy time, as his department has been dealing with ongoing flooding issues throughout the regional district, with no immediate end in sight.

The regional district’s emergency operations has responded to several flooding incidents over the past few weeks throughout the district.

Several evacuation notices and alerts have been issued, during that period, the latest being an evacuation notice for six homes in Olalla.

Kronebusch said he’d rather not speak to his resignation at this time, preferring instead to focus on the many tasks at hand with respect to flooding issues throughout the regional district.

“I think it’s just time to go,” he said, adding he has a few irons in the fire, but no definite plans for the future.

Kronebusch joined the regional district in October, 2009.

Chief Adminstrative Officer Bill Newell confirmed Kronebusch’s resignation today, May 31. He says the regional district will be commencing a recruitment process shortly.

In the meantime, Community Services Manager Mark Woods will take over the Emergency Preparedness Program until the vacancy is filled.

“Mr. Woods is a graduate of the Justice Institute program for emergency preparedness and has performed that role prior to his promotion to the position he now holds. The regional district has a robust structure to support our citizens in the face of emergencies or disasters and we’re confident we’ll continue to be able to perform that role as we replace this important position,” Newell said in an email.

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