The acting interim chief of the London Fire Department has had the "acting" removed from her title.
The City of London announced Monday that Lori Hamer has been selected as the new chief of the London Fire Department. She was named interim chief in March after the sudden retirement of John Kobarda.
“Lori has a long history of service to the fire department and is known for her focus on engagement, communication and mutual respect,” said Lynne Livingstone, managing director, neighbourhood, children and fire services in a statement released Monday. “These qualities will serve her and the Fire Department team well as she steps into the role of Chief on a permanent basis.”
According to Monday's announcement from the city, Hamer began her firefighting career nearly 20 years ago when she joined the communications division of the Kitchener Fire Department. She joined the London Fire Department in 2016 as deputy chief, training, communications and special projects.
“I look forward to serving our community and the department as Fire Chief,” said Chief Hamer. “Over the past few months, I’ve spent much of my time talking to our members. I’m very proud to work alongside the men and women of the London Fire Department and I’m excited about the opportunity to step into this leadership role on a permanent basis.”
Hamer's appointment is being greeted warmly by the union that represents London firefighters. In a statement on its Facebook page, the London Professional Fire Fighters Association said it has spent the time since Kobarda's retirement waiting to see who would be the "agent of change to lead our Fire Department into the future."
"We are now happy to know Chief Lori Hamer has been offered and accepted this challenge," the statement says. "We would like to extend our thanks to Chief Hamer for working cooperatively with this Association through the transition in her role as the acting fire chief, demonstrating her resolve to move forward with us toward a more positive workplace with a shared commitment to bringing our best Fire Service to this community."
Hamer's appointment to the role of chief is effective immediately.
