Meet Lori Hamer, London Fire Dept's First Woman Chief

London just got its first woman fire chief, Lori Hamer.

She has spent two decades in fire communications and management. Hamer initially joined the force in Kitchener in a communications role. She moved to London in 2016 when she was hired as a deputy chief of communications to lead the training, communications and special projects, division.

In an official statement, Hamer said, "I look forward to serving our community and the department as fire chief."

She added, "Over the past few months, I've spent much of my time talking to our members."

Hamer is taking over the job at a crucial stage as the London Fire Department is currently looking forward to stabilizing after harassment allegations and claims of a “toxic” workplace. Due to the allegations, an investigation and culture review was done in March this year.

Hamer is the first woman wire chief in London’s history. She said, “I’m humbled and honoured, obviously, to be working alongside all the men and women at the London fire department.”

Adding to it, she said, “They’re an extremely highly skilled group of people with a lot of knowledge and a lot of experience that I want to draw on to help us build the strong department that we know we can be.”

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She was appointed acting chief as the fire department became involved in workplace harassment allegation. Also, the former chief, John Kobarda’s, retirement was announced all of a sudden.

Acting deputy chief Jack Burt called it “a new frontier”. Jack described Hamer as a well-rounded and open leader. Union boss Jason Timlick calls her style “refreshing”.

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Timlick, president of the London Professional Fire Fighters Association asserted, “I’ve seen a change under her leadership as fire chief.”

Talking about her achievements, Timlick added, “What she’s been able to achieve over the past couple months as acting fire chief is amazing.”

Hamer wants to inspire other women. She said, “I certainly hope that women in the fire service know that they can attain what they want to attain. I hope some people do look at it and are inspired to be able to do that.”

Picture Credit: Ifpress.com

Deepali Is An Intern With SheThePeople.TV