The City of Toronto has a new Fire Cheif.

James William Sales, a 27 year fire service veteran was appointed today, by Toronto City Council.

"We are excited to have Jim join the City and are looking forward to working with him,"said Mayor Rob Ford.

In Sales' current role as General Manager of Community Operations for the City of Barrie  and in his previous position as Markham's Commissioner of Community and Fire Services, Fire Services has reported directly to him. Earlier in his career, he served as Fire Chief in Markham and as the City of Edmonton, Alberta's Fire Chief from 1998-2000. Sales, who began his career as a Fire/EMS responder, has experience working in a variety or work environments including rural, suburban, urban and industrial areas.

"I am proud and honoured to be selected by Toronto City Council as the City's new Fire Chief. I look forward to supporting the City's strategic vision and to helping Toronto Fire Services continue its proud tradition and to actively contributing to improve the effectiveness of the services provided to the public," said Sales.