Sylvie Hauth named acting police chief in Thunder Bay

Thunder Bay's police services board has officially confirmed who will hold the top two jobs in the city's police service for the time being.

Deputy Chief Sylvie Hauth has been appointed acting police chief, according to a written release Friday from the police services board. Insp. Don Lewis was named acting deputy chief in a corresponding move.

Hauth will now serve as the city's top cop; J.P. Levesque was placed on administrative suspension after he was charged with obstruction of justice and breach of trust. Levesque has also taken medical leave.

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Hauth, a 24-year-veteran of the Thunder Bay service, was officially sworn in as the city's first female deputy chief in January after working for many years in the criminal investigations branch.

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"These appointments mean that the continuity of strong leadership is ensured," Jackie Dojack, the police services board chair was quoted as saying in Friday's release, adding that the service and the board are "dedicated to the challenges which lay ahead."