Sarnia's fire chief has been charged with 28 counts of sexual assault.

Patrick Cayen, 54, was released on bail Thursday morning following a short appearance in Sarnia court.

Dressed in a fleece jacket bearing the emblem of Sarnia Fire and Rescue, Cayen did not speak during the bail hearing, but did converse with his lawyer Michael Robb from the prisoner's box.

The charges include 11 counts of sexual interference and four counts of invitation of touching for a sexual purpose.

Sarnia police Sgt. Scott MacLean said these charges are only laid when the victims are children.

Police have said there are two alleged victims.

Cayen surrendered to police on Wednesday and was arrested.

A publication ban prohibits identifying the time frame, location of offences and identity of the victims. Among his release conditions, Cayen cannot have contact with anyone under 16.

Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley said city manager Lloyd Fennell is responsible for determining how the fire service will operate now. It's also his responsibility to deal with the city employee and his status in the workplace.

Bradley declined to comment on the charges.

"It's not directly work related so we need to consider what, if any, impact there is," Fennell said. "I'm not saying it's unclear whether he'll continue in his position, I just don't have enough information to be able to answer anything with any kind of definitive certainty."

Cayen officially became Sarnia's fire chief in October, 2005 after arriving in the community as deputy fire chief in July, 2003.

The Sudbury native started as a firefighter in 1980 in Rossland, B.C. and spent four years as the first paid fire chief in the Township of Malahide, Ont. before arriving in Sarnia.

He also worked as a firefighter in the Yukon.

Cayen's next court appearance is slated for Dec. 18.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact Sgt. MacLean at 519-344-8861, ext. 6077.