THUNDER BAY — A veteran member of the Thunder Bay Police Service has received a promotion to deputy chief of administration.
The appointment of Detective Inspector Jeremy Pearson to the post was confirmed Tuesday by the Thunder Bay Police Services Board.
In his new role, Pearson will be responsible for the overall management and direction of multiple departments of TBPS including finance, human resources, training and development, technology, and systems support.
The creation of the position was one of the recommendations of an independent expert panel that released its report in 2023.
Pearson has served with TBPS for two decades in a variety of roles including with uniform patrol, the regional integrated gang unit, the provincial asset forfeiture unit, court services, as the peer support and critical incident coordinator, with the training unit, in criminal investigations, and most recently as the branch commander of investigative services.
He entered law enforcement after working in education, including four years at Dennis Franklin Cromarty High School.
"His appointment is a result of and a testament to his dedication, leadership and commitment to the service and the citizens of Thunder Bay," said Karen Machado, chair of the police board.
In making the announcement at the board meeting, Machado said she and her colleagues are "proud and happy to have him on board, and welcome him to our senior team."
She also noted that Pearson celebrated his 20th anniversary as a sworn officer just last Friday.
Chief Darcy Fleury welcomed the appointment as well, saying it came after a countrywide search that drew applications from across Canada.
"I have seen the work that Jeremy has done, his commitment to provide superior service...and his ability to communicate with compassion," Fleury said.
In a statement, Pearson said he's excited for the new opportunity, and that he looks forward to working with Chief Fleury and Deputy Chief Ryan Hughes "to support the members of the TBPS in serving and protecting this community."
Earlier this month, the police board reappointed Ryan Hughes as deputy chief of operations for a two-year term.
