The City of Thunder Bay is pleased to announce that Dave Tarini will be appointed as the new Chief of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, following a rigorous selection process that drew applicants from across the country.

Tarini brings decades of firefighting and leadership experience to the role. He started his career with Thunder Bay Fire Rescue in 2003 as a 5th Class Professional Firefighter, after 13 years fighting wildfires with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Tarini worked his way through the ranks at TBFR, serving on the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association executive, and culminating in his most recent roles as Deputy Fire Chief and Acting Fire Chief.

“Dave has significant and varied experience combined with important leadership skills, and I look forward to working with him to implement recommendations in the Master Fire Plan to support growth and improve community and firefighter safety,” said Kayla Dixon, the City’s Commissioner of Infrastructure & Operations.

Tarini holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University and a Certificate in Fire Service Leadership from Dalhousie University. He is a qualified instructor for MNR wildfire response, incident command, and emergency management, and has training in fire service leadership, hazmat response, and more.

“I am excited to continue serving the citizens of Thunder Bay in my new role,” Tarini said. “Thunder Bay Fire Rescue is fortunate to be staffed by a dedicated group of individuals, and I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to lead them. TBFR takes pride in professionalism and public service, which are integral to community safety and growth. I look forward to continuing to build on that foundation as we strengthen our service to the community.”

Fire Chief is a statutory officer which is appointed by City Council. The appointment will be presented to Council for approval on April 7.

About Thunder Bay Fire Rescue

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue provides the city and region with a highly trained emergency service capable of handling a range of emergencies and hazardous situations. In addition to fire suppression, TBFR delivers public education, fire prevention services, training programs, and emergency planning for the community.

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue operates out of eight fire stations and a state-of-the-art fire training facility, with a dedicated staff of over 200 professionals.

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Contact: Kayla Dixon, Commissioner – Infrastructure & Operations, 807-625-3022

 

www.thunderbay.ca
 

 

April 2, 2026– The City of Thunder Bay is pleased to announce that Dave Tarini will be appointed as the new Chief of Thunder Bay Fire Rescue, following a rigorous selection process that drew applicants from across the country.

 

Tarini brings decades of firefighting and leadership experience to the role. He started his career with Thunder Bay Fire Rescue in 2003 as a 5th Class Professional Firefighter, after 13 years fighting wildfires with the Ministry of Natural Resources. Tarini worked his way through the ranks at TBFR, serving on the Thunder Bay Professional Firefighters Association executive, and culminating in his most recent roles as Deputy Fire Chief and Acting Fire Chief.

 

“Dave has significant and varied experience combined with important leadership skills, and I look forward to working with him to implement recommendations in the Master Fire Plan to support growth and improve community and firefighter safety,” said Kayla Dixon, the City’s Commissioner of Infrastructure & Operations.

 

Tarini holds a Bachelor of Arts from Queen’s University and a Certificate in Fire Service Leadership from Dalhousie University. He is a qualified instructor for MNR wildfire response, incident command, and emergency management, and has training in fire service leadership, hazmat response, and more.

 

“I am excited to continue serving the citizens of Thunder Bay in my new role,” Tarini said. “Thunder Bay Fire Rescue is fortunate to be staffed by a dedicated group of individuals, and I feel privileged to be given the opportunity to lead them. TBFR takes pride in professionalism and public service, which are integral to community safety and growth. I look forward to continuing to build on that foundation as we strengthen our service to the community.”

 

Fire Chief is a statutory officer which is appointed by City Council. The appointment will be presented to Council for approval on April 7.

 

About Thunder Bay Fire Rescue

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue provides the city and region with a highly trained emergency service capable of handling a range of emergencies and hazardous situations. In addition to fire suppression, TBFR delivers public education, fire prevention services, training programs, and emergency planning for the community.

 

Thunder Bay Fire Rescue operates out of eight fire stations and a state-of-the-art fire training facility, with a dedicated staff of over 200 professionals.

 

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Contact:      Kayla Dixon, Commissioner – Infrastructure & Operations, 807-625-3022