Jeremy Funk appointed Sioux Lookout Emergency Services Manager/Fire Chief

Tim Brody - Editor

Jeremy Funk has been appointed Sioux Lookout’s new Emergency Services Manager/Fire Chief.
A member of the Sioux Lookout Fire Service for 12 years, Funk shared, “I started as a firefighter and earned my certifications. I moved up to training officer and then captain, so I’ve been running a crew for a while now.”
Funk has also been an employee of the Municipality’s Public Works Department for approximately 6-1/2 years.
Funk said he’s thrilled to be leading the fire department, “It’s a great opportunity for me. I’m very happy about it… I have a really good group of officers supporting me and firefighters in turn supporting them. The fire department as a whole is in good shape.”
“I have a very supportive mayor and CAO and council and my fellow managers,” he added.
Funk’s first day as fire chief was March 3.
“I’ve been there a couple weeks now and I’m starting to get my feet under me,” he said. “Rob Favot, the former fire chief, has been phenomenal in terms of supporting me and teaching me, guiding me through the first couple of weeks and he’s on for a while with me, so I’m grateful to Rob for that. The support I’ve received from the firefighters and the community as a whole is very impressive and humbling,” Funk said.
Funk said he has already had a chance to meet with some community partners such as the OPP.
“People have come up to me on the street that I don’t necessarily know, congratulating me now that the word is out. I feel very honoured to have such a public and visible position within the community. I hope to do great things.”
Funk took the opportunity during the Sioux Mountain Winter Festival to visit the Sioux Lookout Public Library and speak with kids and their parents/guardians about fire safety and said he plans to hit the ground running in his new position.
He said the Sioux Lookout Fire Service is looking to recruit new members. People can find out more by visiting the Municipality’s website and checking out the careers section https://www.siouxlookout.ca/en/town-hall/current-vacancies.aspx.
“The Fire Hall is open to anyone who has questions about what we do and I look forward to serving the community for hopefully years to come,” Funk concluded.
“We are pleased to welcome Jeremy to the role of Emergency Services Manager/Fire Chief. His dedication to our local Fire Department, coupled with his passion for this critically important line of work, made him an excellent choice for this role. I, along with our management team, look forward to supporting Jeremy as he embraces the challenges and opportunities of this rewarding career,” Municipal CAO Michelle Larose concluded.