Deputy chief Naomi Thibault is expected to assume the city’s top firefighting job next month

Sault Ste. Marie city council is expected to name Naomi Thibault next week as the Sault’s new fire chief.

Thibault has worked for the city for 10 years, the last two years and 10 months as deputy chief for fire prevention, education and emergency management.

She’s the unanimous choice of a recruitment and selection committee made up of city chief administrative officer Tom Vair, deputy CAO for community development and enterprise services Brent Lamming, and Nicole Ottolino, director of human resources.

Thibault will replace current fire chief Peter Johnson, who will retire at the end of this month.

“The position was advertised both internally and externally, and interviews were conducted over a two-week period,” deputy CAO Lamming said.

“It is important that the senior management of all city departments consists of capable and experienced individuals. With the upcoming retirement of Chief Johnson, 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.

“Deputy chief Thibault has over 10 years of experience, has held various roles within the Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services department, is a valuable member of the city team and has worked collaboratively with departments across the corporation throughout her time with the city.

“She has built trust and respect among her work colleagues and brings a solution-focused, problem-solving approach to her work,” Lamming said.

Thibault started with Sault Ste. Marie Fire Services in October 2015 as community emergency management coordinator.

Since then, she has served as emergency planning and research assistant, in fire prevention and planning, as public education officer and fire prevention officer before becoming deputy chief in April, 2023.

Thibault’s appointment will take effect Feb. 1.

She’s taught an Introduction to Fire Services course at Sault College for the past two years. 

In an unrelated matter, Andrew Griffa and Sai Kiran Chipalthurthi are expected to be appointed Monday as building inspectors. 

Monday’s city council meeting will be livestreamed on SooToday starting at 5 p.m.