Tuesday, June 6, 2017
Remembering Jim very fondly as a mentor and respectfully as an outstanding public servant. Among other things, Jim was the visionary and architect of NBs Enhanced 9-1-1 System, which along with NS and PE was one of the first and arguably still among the best in Canada. The work involved determining the 1000 or so community names that we now use, and unique civic addresses (community street number) for every property in NB. Huge effort, requiring much political will and moral courage at the time. Add to that, the enabling legislation (passed unanimously) and a sustainable funding model that has ensured that our 9-1-1 system has kept up with the latest technology. Good public policy. Great enhancement to emergency services capabilities. Jim also took on the task of modernizing the Office of The Fire Marshal, emphasizing its role in building a more sustainable and professional fire service. Again, courageous, determined and always striving for excellence. Will miss you Jim, but your many contributions have taken hold and are very much evident today in New Brunswick's highly professional, volunteer and permanent emergency services organizations. My very best wishes to Jim's family, colleagues and friends feeling his loss.
