Mann relieved of all duties

By Tim Kalinowski
Dennis Mann is no longer fire chief and emergency services director for Cypress County. Mann was relieved of duty at the end of September by the County after spending much of the last year on medical leave.
As part of the termination agreement, Mann will continue to receive medical benefits while he copes with his health issues.
Cypress County CAO Doug Henderson made the decision to relieve Mann of duty after holding discussions with Cypress County councillors on the matter.
“Dennis Mann has served this County well, and we want to thank him for his many years of service,” said Henderson on Monday. “This was not an easy decision to make.”
Mann was one of the original employees of Cypress County when it was founded over 30 years ago, and has served as fire chief for a number of years.
A new fire chief will be chosen later this fall after Cypress County finalizes its new Fire Management Plan.
Coun. Dustin Vossler has served with former Chief Mann for the past five years while working as volunteer fire fighter in the county. He also has worked with him in a professional capacity as a sitting member of the County’s Fire Board.
“The great thing about Dennis,” said Vossler, “was all the camaraderie he built up among our local members. We have a very good fire department today, and that is mostly thanks to Dennis. He has been a fantastic fire chief for us.”
Vossler, who knows Mann on a personal level, confirmed Mann has been suffering from the effects of PTSD, and that is why he has been on medical leave for much of the year.
“PTSD is a real problem for many in emergency services. It’s important to seek out help and talk to someone about it,” he said.

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