THUNDER BAY – Sylvie Hauth has been officially appointed to lead the city police force with J.P. Levesque on administrative suspension while facing criminal charges.
Hauth, who in January was sworn in as the first female deputy police chief in the history of the Thunder Bay Police Service, was announced as the acting chief by the Thunder Bay Police Services Board on Friday.
The need to appoint an acting chief comes after Levesque was charged by the OPP on May 23 with obstructing justice and breach of trust for allegedly disclosing confidential information related to Thunder Bay mayor Keith Hobbs. Levesque, who was on medical leave, was officially suspended days later.
The 53-year-old Levesque has been the police chief since July 2011.
Insp. Don Lewis will be serving as deputy police chief.
"These appointments mean that the continuity of strong leadership is ensured," police services board chair Jackie Dojack said in a statement. "Acting chief Hauth and acting deputy Lewis ensure the board's confidence in the men and women of the Thunder Bay Police Service. We are dedicated to the challenges which lay ahead."
Hauth first joined the police force in 1993, rising to the rank of inspector before being appointed deputy chief to replace the retired Andy Hay.
