Jim Sales, a high-ranking bureaucrat with the City of Barrie, has won the job of Toronto's new fire chief.
His appointment, made official by city council Thursday, signals the city was looking for a different type of leader as it goes about reorganizing Toronto Fire Services into a leaner, more efficient organization.
While Sales has an extensive resumé in fire services, including a stint as both Markham and Edmonton's chiefs, he has spent the last decade working in the bureaucracy.
"I know the City of Toronto will benefit greatly from the unique blend of senior municipal experience Jim brings to the position," deputy city manager John Livey, who oversees Fire Services, said in a statement Thursday.
Sales began his career as a fire and EMS responder, before serving as Edmonton's chief from 1998 to 2000, and Markham's between 2000 and 2001. That year, Sales was promoted to Markham's commissioner of community and fire services.
He's been general manager of community operations in Barrie since 2008, where he, among other things, oversaw Barrie Fire and Emergency Service.
His experience with paramedics is noteworthy considering Toronto is strongly considering merging its fire and EMS departments.
Cory Mainprize, president of the Barrie Professional Fire Fighters Association, said Sales is a straight-shooter who has been "positive" as far as labour relations and bargaining go.
"He's definitely an academic. He's a very intelligent man. You can't sandbag him. ... If anything he can be somewhat difficult to deal with because he's so intelligent," said Mainprize.
In a comment that will surely quell apprehension from Toronto's union, Mainprize said Sales is a big advocate for firefighter safety, including staffing.
Toronto Fire is in an ongoing battle with the city over slashed staffing levels, which union leaders have argued has left the public and firefighters in peril.
Last month, the department got the go-ahead to hire a new recruitment class. Even when those 40 to 45 new employees hit the trucks at year's end, Toronto Fire will be down about 80 frontline firefighters.
Ed Kennedy, president of the Toronto Professional Fire Fighters' Association, said he doesn't know Sales but has heard good things and looks forward to working with him.
Bill Stewart, Toronto's long-time fire chief, announced plans to retire in February.
Copyright 2012 Toronto Star Newspapers Limited
