Moose FM CFBG 99.5 - Muskoka

A Former Muskoka Lakes Township mayor has told fired fire chief Jim Sawkins she is one of his fans. The Moose has been provided a copy of an email Susan Pryke sent Sawkins on Saturday, in which she says Sawkins “made a difference.” She also says he brought the fire department into the 21st century, brought professionalism to the ranks and brought firefighter skills up to an acceptable standard. Pryke also tells Sawkins she knew certain councilors weren’t in his camp and that she worked hard to keep that rift from opening further. Pryke says she knew she was leaving Sawkins in a worse situation by resigning and that this has proved true. Pryke also said she knows that sometimes the fit between council and its managers “just doesn’t work.” Pryke says more appropriate ways could be found to part ways, other than marching someone with Sawkins’ credentials out the door. Pryke has also registered her shock at Sawkins dismissal with township CAO Walt Schmid. She says she doesn’t think she could have given Sawkins news of his termination and says she thinks she would have quit instead.