BARRIERE, B.C. — The former fire chief of Barriere, B.C., has been charged with two child pornography offences.
Al Kirkwood appeared in provincial court in Kamloops this week charged with one count of importing and distributing child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.
He has been ordered to return to court on Dec. 8.
Kirkwood won admiration for his work helping the southern Interior community through the devastation of the McLure wildfire in 2003 that destroyed a lumber mill, eight other businesses and 72 homes.
Kirk resigned as fire chief in October.
Barriere Mayor Virginia Smith says the community of 1,700 has been shaken the allegations, but the local volunteer fire department remains strong.
