Features Dispatches
Dispatches: November/December 2023

Photo credit: Ontario Provincial Police

It is with great sadness that the Ontario Provincial Police announced the death of Det. Cst. Steven Tourangeau, 35, of the OPP’s Huron-Perth Community Street Crime Unit in May. Tourangeau was known for always having a smile on his face and excelling at every challenge life would throw at him. “We are deeply saddened over this tragic incident, as two families mourn the loss of their loved ones. I offer my deepest condolences to the families, friends and colleagues affected,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.

Photo credit: Sault Ste. Marie Police Service

On Sep. 5, Cst. Orrette Robinson of the Sault Ste. Marie Police died in an off-duty motor vehicle collision. Robinson was 36 years old. Prior to joining the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service, Orrette spent nine years as an officer with the Jamaica Constabulary Force. “Our hearts are heavy. Orrette served our community with pride and dedication. He was sworn in as an officer in August 2021 after being the first Sault Ste. Marie Police Service member to be named class valedictorian at the Ontario Police College. Our hearts and support go to his family, friends, and colleagues. Orrette will be missed,” says Chief Hugh Stevenson.

Photo credit: Royal Canadian Mounted Police

It is with profound sadness that the B.C. RCMP announced the on-duty death of a Ridge Meadows member, Cst. Rick (Frederick) O’Brien on Sep. 22. O’Brien was 51 years old, with a wife and children. He was born in Ottawa, and joined the RCMP in 2016. All of his service with the RCMP was at Ridge Meadows Detachment as a frontline officer and in community policing. O’Brien led by example and had a great sense of humour. He was well respected by his peers and the community.

Photo credit: Hamilton Police Service

With heavy hearts, Hamilton Police Service shared news of the death of Cst. Greg Mills on Sep. 27. He had a 20-year career in Hamilton, and worked in frontline patrol, the mounted unit, and the criminal investigations branch. “We are shocked and saddened by this tragedy and are all thinking of Greg and his family during this time,” the Hamilton Police Association said in a statement. Association President Jaimi Bannon described Mills as “super generous” and “always willing to help out.”

Photo credit: Abbotsford Police Department

The Abbotsford Police Board has selected Colin Watson as the new Chief Constable of the Abbotsford Police Department. Watson assumes the role from retiring Chief Constable Mike Serr on Nov. 15. Previously, Colin served as Deputy Chief Constable with the Victoria Police Department where he spent over 26 years. He brings with him an impressive background of policing expertise, including a comprehensive and unique range of leadership, management, and supervisory experience, both operationally and administratively. “I am excited to meet the AbbyPD staff, connect with the community, and build on the policing excellence already in place in Abbotsford,” said Chief Designate Watson.

Photo credit: Niagara Regional Police Service

Niagara Regional Police Service’s Chief Bryan MacCulloch has announced his retirement, effective Feb. 1, 2024. He has dedicated over 39 years to the policing profession and was first appointed Chief in 2017. Chief MacCulloch began his policing career with the Niagara Regional Police Service in 1984. Chief MacCulloch stated, “It’s truly been an honour to serve as the ninth Chief of Police in the history of the Niagara Regional Police Service, and I thank the Police Services Board for having the trust and confidence in me to lead the men and women of this great police service.”

Photo credit: Saskatoon Police Service

Cameron McBride has been appointed to the rank of Deputy Chief at the Saskatoon Police Service. He is a 26-year member of the service, and will now serve as the Deputy Chief of Operations. In January 1997, McBride was hired by the Saskatoon Police Service and spent his first several years in patrol. Since then, he has worked in traffic, the forensic identification unit, human resources division and was a long-time member of the explosive disposal unit (EDU). With a passion for the EDU, he assisted in creating standardized bomb threat protocols for the public school division in 2015, and provided training to administrators.

Photo credit: Niagara Regional Police Service

Deputy Chief Brett Flynn of the Niagara Regional Police Service will retire as of Feb. 1, 2024. He has devoted over 33 years of distinguished service to the NRPS. Deputy Chief Flynn currently leads the Operational Services functions of the Niagara Regional Police Service. In that role, he is responsible for all frontline policing, and oversees district operations – central, western and eastern regions, and emergency and investigative services. This includes canine, marine, explosives disposal, crisis negotiations, traffic management and road safety, major crime, special investigative services and special victims.

Ontario Provincial Police Deputy Commissioner Rose DiMarco has officially retired after 33 years of dedicated service. “Her exceptional contributions and outstanding leadership have elevated the OPP and policing as a whole. Thank you for your unwavering commitment,” said OPP Commissioner Thomas Carrique.

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.