A familiar face has been tapped to be Ottawa’s new fire chief.
After a nationwide search for a leader to replace Chief Gerry Pingitore, who retired in April, the city settled on a candidate close to home in Kim Ayotte, Mayor Jim Watson announced at Wednesday’s council meeting.
Ayotte has been serving as interim fire chief since Pingitore’s retirement.
City council and staff greeted the announcement with a standing ovation for Ayotte, who is fluently bilingual and has nearly 30 years experience as a firefighter.
For the past 15 years, Ayotte has been a member of the Ottawa Fire Services’ management team and served as deputy chief.
Ayotte also brings an extensive list of credentials, including a masters certificate in municipal leadership and a professional designation of executive chief fire officer with the Canadian Association of Fire Chiefs.
Link to original article in Ottawa Sun: After nationwide search, Ottawa's deputy named new fire chief