Brampton Fire Services has terminated Schwalm’s employment as a result of the charges.
February 3, 2023 – Earlier today, the Ontario Provincial Police arrested and charged James Schwalm, 38 of Collingwood, in relation to a single-vehicle collision that took place last week in The Blue Mountains.
Shwalm is alleged to have murdered his wife Ashley Schwalm, and has been charged with Second Degree Murder and Indignity to a Dead Body. The OPP and Ontario Coroner’s Office are investigating the matter which occurred on January 26th when an SUV crashed and caught on fire near Highway 26.
Schwalm was held for a bail hearing on Friday. None of the charges have been proven in court.
Schwalm was recently a Fire Captain with the City of Brampton, and was promoted to Captain of “C” Platoon in 2019. However, the City released a statement on Friday that said Schwalm has been terminated “with cause in accordance with the Collective Agreement and the Fire Protection and Prevention Act.”
The City added that “Our priority is the safety, health and well-being of employees and the community. The City is taking all steps to ensure members of the Brampton Fire and Emergency Services team, and employees across the organization have the necessary supports available to them. Our thoughts and prayers remain with the impacted family and friends, and those grieving the loss during this very difficult time.”
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Collingwood OPP at 705-445-4321 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.
