By Rosalind Russell – Espanola’s long-time Fire Chief Mike Pichor is retiring at the end of the month.
Pichor, who has been involved in fire services for over 40 years, the last 20 or so as fire chief, will formally retire as of May 27.
Pichor says there have been a lot of changes to training, regulations and equipment requirements over the decades, but adds the town is in a good position with the new firehall, pumper truck, updated safety equipment and the ongoing training of the volunteers.
Pichor says he feels his biggest accomplishment was the building of the new fire hall (located at the intersection of Mead Blvd and Second Avenue) that allows for plenty of room for training and housing the equipment and vehicles vital to firefighting in the local area.
He adds it took nearly 11 years for the new hall to finally become a reality and appreciates the efforts made to see it brought to fruition.
Pichor thanks the community for their support over the years and hopes he has made them proud by making the volunteer organization the success it is.
Still with the story, The town says Phase 1 of the regional agreement for shared fire services was implemented in September 2025, which involved the hiring of full-time Regional Fire Chief Jamie Ramsay.
Ramsay was appointed to that role for both Sables-Spanish Rivers and Espanola in September 2025.
Ramsay worked with Pichor since his appointment as part of the transition process and will assume the duties of full-time fire chief of Espanola as of the end of this month.
Pichor adds he and his wife, Judy, will be doing some travelling and are looking to spend time with their seven grandchildren.
He says they both love Espanola, and it will continue to be their home, adding he plans to do a lot more volunteer work, especially with the local Legion.
An avid outdoorsman, he is also looking to spend his leisure time fishing, hunting, quadding and enjoying the great outdoors.
Photos by Rosalind Russell – grand opening of the new fire hall in June of 2019.
Espanola Volunteer Firefighters 2025 – photo provided
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