Today, the members of 22 Wing/Canadian Forces Base North Bay welcomed Peter Chirico as their new Honorary Colonel.
Colonel Mark Lachapelle, 22 Wing and Canadian Air Defence Sector Commander, presided over the virtual ceremony, which boasted hundreds of spectators from across Canada and the United States.
"I welcome Peter Chirico to the 22 Wing family," said Col. Mark Lachapelle, 22 Wing and Canadian Air Defence Sector Commander. "Not only has he put service before self as an elected city official and, later, as President of the North Bay & District Chamber of Commerce, he is a proud member of North Bay. He advocates for the city at the provincial level while creating and nurturing his family right here in North Bay."
In 2000, Chirico was elected to North Bay City Council as a councillor and served 12 years as an elected official. In 2004, 2008 and 2012, he was elected to the role of Deputy Mayor and Budget Chief for the City of North Bay. After a three-year stint as Managing Director of Community Services for the City of North Bay, Peter semi-retired, until the position as President & CEO of the Chamber became available.
“I have spent my entire life in North Bay and I deeply respect the role the military plays in the city," said Chirico.
22 Wing/CFB North Bay boasts the support of three honorary colonels: Corina Moore, recent addition as the 21 Aerospace Control & Warning Squadron Honorary Colonel, Honorary Colonel, Jake Lacourse, 51 Aerospace Control & Warning (Operational Training) Squadron Honorary Colonel and now Peter Chirico, 22 Wing Honorary Colonel;
With an average term of three years, an Honorary Colonel is a civilian member of the local community. The appointment serves to develop and strengthen the ties between military elements and their local communities businesses, industries, and labour.
