by Arthur Milnes
Northern News Services

FORT SIMPSON (Dec 12/97) - Who's in charge?

That was the question councillors and representatives from Fort Simpson RCMP, volunteer fire department, and health services and ambulance services wrestled with at a meeting in the village Monday night.

At issue was a recent Fort Simpson motor vehicle accident that appears to have highlighted a situation of inter-agency confusion in the village.

About two weeks ago, a local resident drove her truck off the road just outside of the village. Though emergency crews -- RCMP, ambulance staff and firefighters -- were on the scene in scant minutes, a committee of councillors discussed a fire department report Monday which seems to suggest that those responding couldn't agree on who should serve as on-site commander to deal with the situation.

Though the issue was discussed publicly, councillors said they could not release the report under discussion at this time.

"The concern was: How to remove the person? How is that command given? How is that decision taken? Who is to be in control over the chain of command?" village councillor Lindsay Waugh said. "We want to ensure there is a proper, cohesive group when there is a call."

Fire chief Pat Rowe agreed.

"It was a case of too many people in charge," he said frankly.

Rowe also said that, as village employees, his volunteers -- and others involved -- needed direction from their political masters.

"I'd like to see from council (a directive) so plain that all the departments can work together," he said.

Rowe's deputy, Gerry McCowan, suggested that all involved work quickly to establish a standard operating procedure governing any future situations.

Council members present agreed and a meeting of all interested parties was scheduled for Wednesday night.

"Let's come out with a joint agreement," councillor Ron McCagg said.

The senior politician in the room seemed to speak for all persons present as he closed the discussion.

"Everyone has to work together -- we're a small community," said deputy mayor Bob Hanna.