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Police officer remembered for his work ethic and quiet leadership

Aug. 11, 2021 – The Woodstock Police Force and the community it serves are mourning the sudden death of one of its veteran police officers.

Const. Dale Pollock, a 14-year member of the force, died at home early Monday morning, Aug. 9, from what appears to be health-related issues.

“We’re losing an exceptional person, and we lost an exceptional police officer,” said Woodstock Police Chief Gary Forward.

He said the 53-year-old officer is well known for his strong work ethic and reputation as a quiet leader.

Forward expressed his condolences for the officer’s family, friends and those who worked with him every day to protect the community.

The chief said the police force and community will miss Pollock’s skills, leadership and dedication.

Woodstock Mayor Art Slipp said the news of Pollock’s death came as a “tremendous shock.”

He said it’s hard to find the right words to express his feelings at this difficult time.

Slipp offered his “sincere condolences” to the officer’s family and friends on behalf of himself and the community.

“He was a major contributor to our police department and the community,” he said.

Forward said Pollock joined the Woodstock Police Force in 2007 after graduating from the Atlantic Police Academy.

He said Pollock chose to enter a career in policing after many years as a long-distance trucker which took him across North America.

On Tuesday, a release issued by Forward on behalf of the Woodstock Police Force and the town offered details on Pollock’s role as an officer.

“As a member of the Woodstock Police Force, Dale embraced his public safety responsibilities and commitment to the community,” the release stated.

Pollock served as a member of WPF’s uniformed patrol platoon response team.

“Dale worked diligently to uphold various provincial statutes to ensure motorists and pedestrians alike remained safe,” Forward said.

He described Pollock as instrumental in the education and enforcement related to impaired driving and partnered with others toward replacing the force’s impaired driving instrumentation equipment.

Forward said Pollock’s friendly disposition displayed the personality and demeanour ideal for his job as a police officer.

“He was a quiet leader, who led by example,” the chief said.

Forward said Pollock’s impact reached beyond the community he directly served.

“He joined the 911 Ride in 2015 to help raise awareness across New Brunswick related to victims of violent crimes, fallen emergency service personnel, and public access to defibrillators,” Forward said in the release.

The chief said the loss of Pollock leaves a big hole to fill, but the force will regroup and continue to serve the community.

“Dale’s passing was both unexpected and devastating to all that knew him personally or professionally,” the release stated. “Const. Pollock leaves behind an adoring family, both immediate and those of us who worked closely with him. Dale’s presence, friendship and perspective enriched us all in many ways. He will be truly missed in everything we do moving forward.”

During his report to Woodstock council committee meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 10, Forward said Pollock loved being a police officer. He shared a story where the dedicated officer played a key role in finding a stolen trailer and its contents.

He said Pollock was one of two officers who approached with the idea of going up in a plane to see if they could spot the hidden trailer in the area.

Forward said he initially dismissed the suggestion, thinking it would be a long shot and not worth the cost. He said Pollock’s insistence finally convinced him to try it. It worked, the chief said, as the bird’s eye view helped locate the trailer and contents.

Mayor Slipp opened the meeting, again offering his condolences to family, friends and police force.

He said he hoped to see a good turnout for Pollock’s funeral services in Fredericton.

Forward said services for Pollock, originally from Harvey, will be held Friday at 3 p.m. at the York Funeral Home in Fredericton.

On Wednesday, Aug. 11, Woodstock Police Force issued a public notice thanking the Fredericton Police Department and RCMP for providing coverage in Woodstock from 1 to 5 p.m., allowing members and staff to attend the funeral services.