A longtime member of the Chatham-Kent Fire Department is officially taking over as the municipality's new assistant fire chief.
Chatham-Kent Fire & Emergency Services announced on Wednesday that Ken Labonte has accepted the position.
Labonte first started with the department in 1985 as a volunteer firefighter with the Tilbury Fire Department. He went on to become a station captain in 2004 and then station chief in 2010.
In addition, Labonte has worked for the Municipality of Chatham-Kent Social Housing division since 2007.
“We are thrilled to have [Labonte] join our senior management team. Chief Labonte has been an exemplary firefighter and officer serving his home Community of Tilbury,” said Fire Chief Chris Case. “We are delighted he is now joining the Command Team at headquarters as our latest assistant chief where he will serve all our communities in Chatham-Kent. It is great to see our staff develop and achieve progression through our fantastic organization.”
Labonte has been serving as an acting assistant fire chief since August 2019.
