Belleville Police Service has just appointed their first-ever honorary Chief of Police.
During an Investiture Ceremony on Friday, retired Justice Stephen Hunter was named as Honorary Chief.
Honorary appointments in law enforcement are used to recognize individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to public safety and community well being. The honorary rank does not carry official power within the police service.
Honorary Chief Hunter said he was excited to work with the police force as the Honorary Chief.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to work with the members of the Belleville police service,” said Honorary Chief Hunter. “I always found that the Belleville Police Service was forward looking.”
After the ceremony, Police Chief Murray Rodd said that when they were evaluating candidates, the retired Justice Hunter rose to the top of the list after having touched many lives in the community.
“He swore in the vast majority of our currently serving members, including our deputy chief, 30 years of service, and so he’s had a long standing relationship with community,” said Chief Rodd. “He’s just such a distinguished Canadian, distinguished member of the bench and of this community, so we are honoured he accepted.”
Honorary Chief Hunter was born in Belleville and has a long history of working alongside the Belleville Police Service from his time as a justice.
