The City of Belleville has named its new fire chief and it’s a first for the city.
Monique Belair will take over officially from Mark MacDonald on June 28 and brings more than 30 years of firefighting experience to the job.
She becomes the first woman in Belleville’s history to hold that position.
Most recently, Belair has served for more than seven years as the Deputy Fire Chief with the City of St. Catharines and Town of Oakville.
Belair started her firefighting career as one of just a handful of female firefighters with the Canadian Armed Forces and has served in various fire department roles including communications, prevention and public education, investigation and training.
She’s also held positions with the Ontario Fire Marshal and is very involved in community issues, especially around diversity and inclusivity.
CAO Rod Bovay cited Belair’s broad range of experience and leadership qualities as reasons why she stood out among the applicants.
In a statement, Mayor Mitch Panciuk says Chief Belair’s appointment “speaks to our city’s reputation as a progressive community which offers career development opportunities in a setting residents are proud to call home.”
