Sault Ste. Marie, ontario, December 29, 2023 – A changing of the guard is coming to the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services.Deputy chief Naomi Thibault is poised to become the city’s next fire chief, a move that signals continuity and experience as the department prepares for the retirement of its current leader.
Experienced Leader Set to Take the Helm
Table of Contents
Thibault’s appointment, expected to be finalized next week, marks a critically importent step for the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services.
- naomi Thibault has spent a decade with the city, rising through the ranks.
- She’s the unanimous selection of a recruitment committee.
- Current Fire Chief Peter Johnson will retire at the end of December.
- Thibault’s appointment takes effect February 1.
What experience does Naomi Thibault bring to the role of fire chief? Thibault has dedicated the last 10 years to the city of Sault Ste. Marie, with the most recent two years and ten months focused on fire prevention, education, and emergency management as deputy chief. Her deep understanding of the department and the community positions her well to lead.
A Unanimous Decision
The selection committee – comprised of City Chief Administrative Officer Tom Vair, Deputy CAO for Community Development and Enterprise Services Brent Lamming, and Director of Human Resources nicole Ottolino – unanimously recommended Thibault for the position. “The position was advertised both internally and externally, and interviews were conducted over a two-week period,” Lamming stated.
Lamming emphasized the importance of strong leadership within city departments, especially with Chief Johnson’s impending retirement. “It was imperative that the city secure the best combination of qualifications,knowledge,and experience to maintain the best possible delivery of these essential services to our community,” he said.
From Coordinator to Chief
Thibault began her career with Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services in October 2015 as a community emergency management coordinator. She steadily progressed, taking on roles as an emergency planning and research assistant, in fire prevention and planning, and as a public education officer and fire prevention officer before her promotion to deputy chief in April 2023.
Beyond her work within the fire services, Thibault has also shared her expertise as an instructor, teaching an Introduction to Fire Services course at Sault College for the past two years.
Thibault’s official appointment will be effective February 1.In a separate matter, Andrew Griffa and Sai Kiran Chipalthurthi are slated to be appointed as building inspectors at Monday’s city council meeting, which will be livestreamed starting at 5 p.m.
