Features Dispatches
Dispatches: January/February 2024

PROMOTIONS, RETIREMENTS, RECOGNITION • If you have an officer in your agency recently promoted or retiring or an individual you wish to have recognized (major award or recently deceased) you can let Blue Line magazine know by emailing: bschroeder@annexbusinessmedia.com.

Photo credit: Treaty Three Police Service

Treaty Three Police Service has selected Cheryl Gervais as the new Chief of Police. Gervais is a dedicated law enforcement professional with over 20 years of experience. As a community member of Iskatewiizaagegan No. 39 Independent First Nation, Chief Gervais brings a wealth of knowledge, experience, and a commitment to upholding the values of the police service and community. Chief Gervais’ appointment marks a significant moment in the ongoing commitment of the Treaty Three Police Service to provide exemplary law enforcement services to the Treaty Three communities.

Photo credit: Regina Police Service

Regina Police Service has welcomed the 15<ss>^th Chief of Police, Farooq Hassan Sheikh. Chief Sheikh joins the Regina Police Service from the Alberta Sheriff’s Service where he’s held the position of chief since 2021. Chief Sheikh has over 31 years of experience in law enforcement, serving in senior leadership roles for the London Metropolitan Police and West Midlands Police in the United Kingdom and as a member with both the Calgary and Central Saanich Police Services, among others. Chief Sheikh joined the Regina Police Service on Dec. 1, 2023.

Photo credit: Halifax Regional Police

Halifax Regional Police Chief Dan Kinsella officially retired Sep. 15. Chief Kinsella began his policing career in 1986, and prior to becoming Chief of Police for HRP in July 2019, he served for 33 years with Hamilton Police Service, retiring as Deputy Chief. “Serving as a police officer has been an incredible honour, and leading HRP in the role of Chief has been a highlight of my career,” said Halifax Regional Police Chief Dan Kinsella. “My greatest thanks go out to HRP members whose professionalism and dedication I have witnessed with the greatest pride and gratitude, to members of Hamilton Police Service before then and all those professionals that I’ve had the honour to serve alongside.”

Photo credit: Halifax Regional Police

Halifax Regional Council has appointed Don MacLean as the Acting Chief of Police. MacLean, who was previously Deputy Chief of Operations, assumed the position on Sept. 16. MacLean began his policing career in 1993. Since 2020, he has held the position of Deputy Chief of Operations, overseeing both the patrol and criminal investigation divisions. Prior to serving as deputy chief, he was the superintendent of the Patrol Division. MacLean served as the first Diversity Officer for Halifax Regional Police from 2004 to 2006 and went on to become the Executive Officer to the Chief and later the Human Resources Officer.

Photo credit: City of Penticton

Insp. Beth McAndie has stepped up to lead the RCMP in Penticton, B.C. McAndie previously served as the Investigative Services Officer within Kelowna RCMP, and as an Insp. within Surrey RCMP’s Major Crimes Unit. She’s been a serving officer for 26 years. Already a resident of the Okanagan area, Inspector McAndie is excited to share the experience of being the new officer in charge with her husband and two children.

Photo credit: Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police Service

It is with great sadness that Stl’atl’imx Tribal Police Service (STPS) announces the sudden and untimely passing of Sgt. Michael Leo, Regimental #004. Sgt. Leo passed away suddenly in Mount Currie, B.C., on Oct. 13, 2023. Sgt. Leo was one of the original founding members of the STPS, having completed 34 years of service to the community when he passed.

Photo credit: Metro Vancouver Transit Police

Metro Vancouver Transit Police has appointed Bryce Graham as Deputy Chief Officer, Administrative Services, effective Oct. 17. In his role, Deputy Graham will oversee Finance, IT, HR, Information Management, Recruitment, Training, Facilities and Fleet. Over the course of his career, he has worked as a constable, detective, staff sergeant, and in various units such as the integrated gang task force, the combined forces special enforcement unit, and the uniform gang enforcement team. In 2022, Deputy Graham was promoted to Inspector, Administrative Services and has recently been Acting Deputy Chief Officer, Administrative Services.

Photo credit: Windsor Police Service

The Windsor Police Services Board recently announced the appointments of two new deputy chiefs, Jason Crowley, who will lead Operations, and Karel DeGraaf, who will lead Operational Support. Crowley assumed his role immediately in October, and DeGraaf was appointed Acting Deputy Chief (DC) for a six-month term.

Photo credit: Windsor Police Service

DC Crowley has been with the Windsor Police Service for 30 years, and his experience includes various roles in critical incident command, investigations, tactical response services, patrol services, and the Repeat Offender Parole Enforcement (ROPE) squad.

Acting DC DeGraaf has been with the Windsor Police Service for 28 years, and has served in investigations, property crimes, tactical response services, and ROPE. Most recently, he served as Acting Superintendent of Patrol Services.

Photo credit: Sault Ste. Marie Police Service

The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service congratulates Deputy Chief Robert ‘Bob’ MacLachlan on his retirement. Hired in 2019, MacLachlan’s contribution to the Sault Police is immeasurable. With more than 40 years of policing experience, Sault Police is fortunate to have benefited from MacLachlan’s knowledge and experience to further the service’s initiatives, both internally and externally.

Photo credit: Toronto Victim Services

Toronto Victim Services Facility/Trauma Support dog, Dandy, is retiring after seven years of remarkable service. Dandy was Victim Services’ first facility/trauma support dog and worked hard at supporting victims of crime and sudden tragedies. She helped over 350 witnesses, providing comfort while they testified at court or provided statements to police, and she provided wellness and educational sessions for community events and schools. Dandy was the recipient of the Ontario Women of Law Enforcement Teamwork Award and was recognized by many in the justice system for her work with witnesses from children to adults.

Photo credit: Delta Police Department

The Delta Police Department (DPD) announced the passing of a retired family member, Caber, who was also Canada’s first Victim Services Justice Facility Dog. Working with victims of trauma and crime, Caber became a provider of stability for many who needed a supporting hand. Caber received approval to work within the courtroom and supported witnesses and victims on the stand while they provided evidence. Because of Caber’s work, over 70 Justice Facility Dogs across Canada are now providing support to those who need it. Caber provided 9 years of service to the DPD, working to support over 2,100 victims of crime and trauma.