Oliver fire chief Dan Skaros will be the “go-to guy” in the event of a fire at the new provincial jail where he will shortly begin a new career as a guard.

Skaros told ODN recently that he will begin corrections officer training later this month. He will continue his part-time duties as chief of the all-volunteer Oliver Fire Department.

He said in a recent interview that while he is on duty at the Okanagan Correctional Centre (OCC) he will be the “go-to guy” if something happens requiring his expertise as a firefighter.

The policy of the provincial public safety ministry is to use local departments for fire emergencies. The Oliver department serves the area where the jail is located.

BC Corrections said recently that the local fire department was consulted during design and construction.

“In the unlikely event of a fire or smoke incident, BC Corrections policy is to call the local fire department if required,” the ministry stated.

Skaros said he has already met with a number of OCC staff members with fire department experience. He added that he has urged the warden to obtain smoke masks for jail staff so they can be trained to handle emergencies at the jail.

Skaros will leave his position as a maintenance employee at a local winery later this month. He has been chief of the Oliver Fire Department since 2010.

The Okanagan Correction Centre is on Osoyoos Indian Band land  –  the OIB  has an agreement with the Town of Oliver for fire protection.

Source: ODN staff