Greater Sudbury announces new chief of fire services

After a nation-wide search, Sudbury announced Thursday that Rob Grimwood is the new chief of Greater Sudbury Fire Services.

After a nationwide recruitment effort led by Odgers Canada, Greater Sudbury announced Thursday that Rob Grimwood is the new chief of Greater Sudbury Fire Services.

Grimwood has more than 29 years of experience in fire service, including 17 years in senior leadership roles, the city said in a news release.

Most recently, he was deputy chief in Mississauga, overseeing the professional development and accreditation and communications divisions, while also serving as the management co-chair for the joint health and safety committee.

He also worked in fire services in Vaughan, Dryden, Niagara-on-the-Lake and Haldimand County.

“His frontline experience includes serving as a firefighter with the City of Toronto and as a long-time volunteer firefighter with the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake,” the release said.

Also worked as a paramedic

“Additionally, Grimwood worked as a paramedic for 20 years, including nine years as the paramedic chief in Haldimand County.”

He currently serves as president of the Ontario Association of Fire Chiefs and as management co-chair of the Ontario Fire Services Section 21 committee.

In addition, he is an instructor for Dalhousie University’s fire service management program.

Grimwood will lead fire services in a new director-level role as chief, as the city transitions from a combined chief of emergency services model to dedicated leadership for both Greater Sudbury Fire and Paramedic Services.

“Chief Grimwood brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to this role,” city CAO Shari Lichterman said in the release.

“He is a leader in the areas of health, safety and training, and he has a deep understanding of the opportunities and challenges of a composite fire service that benefits from both career and volunteer service delivery.”

“I look forward to working with the City of Greater Sudbury team and am proud to take this leadership role with Greater Sudbury Fire Services,” said Grimwood.

“My family and I are excited to relocate to this community.”

Grimwood begins his new role Oct. 27.