Denison Armoury hosts turning over of command for OPP.
New Ontario Provincial Police commissioner Chris Lewis speaks to the media Tuesday night after assuming command of the police service during a ceremony held at the Denison Armoury.
Staff photo/ANDREW PALAMARCHUK
Hundreds of officers gathered at the Denison Armoury in Downsview Tuesday as Julian Fantino turned over command of the Ontario Provincial Police to Chris Lewis.
"My time as commissioner has been the absolute highlight of my career," Fantino said. "I could not have scripted a better ending to my policing career."
Fantino served as police chief in Toronto, York Region and London, Ont. before being appointed OPP commissioner nearly four years ago.
The change-of-command ceremony included the passing of the Tipstaff, the traditional symbol of the office of the commissioner, from Fantino to Lewis.
Fantino called it a "bittersweet" moment.
"I do have the satisfaction of knowing that I leave this great organization in good hands and in great shape," he said. "He (Lewis) has had an exemplary career and is an excellent choice to lead the OPP."
Lewis, 53, joined the OPP 32 years ago and served as provincial commander of field operations since 2007.
"It really feels good to be giving a speech that I wasn't handed as a last minute stand-in for Julian," Lewis said to laughs.
The new commissioner said a big challenge will be recruiting because hundreds of officers will retire before the end of 2011.
"We're competing with other police services for the same very small group of applicants. We need to increase the applicant pool and sell the OPP as an organization that people want to join and be a part of."
The OPP is the second largest police force in Canada with more than 6,100 officers and 2,800 civilian employees.
Lt.-Gov. David Onley said Fantino and Lewis are "consummate police officers who have devoted their entire careers to the service and the protection of the people of Ontario."
Premier Dalton McGuinty thanked Fantino for "four strong and productive years of service" to the OPP.
Community safety and correctional services minister Jim Bradley noted Fantino leaves behind "a strong legacy."