NEWS RELEASE
BRADFORD/WEST GWILLIMBURY POLICE SERVICES
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Bradford, ON – At its Board meeting today, the BWG/Innisfil Police Services Board announced the appointment of Robin McElary-Downer as Deputy Chief of Police, effective May 1st, 2017.
“The Board is pleased to appoint Robin McElary-Downer as Deputy Chief,” said Board Chair, Rod Hicks. “Robin brings proven experience in strategic management, leadership and will be an asset to the organization as we continue to provide excellent police service.”
Robin McElary-Downer currently serves as the Commissioner’s Chief Adjudicator for the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP). With over 36 years in policing, McElary-Downer began her career with the OPP in 1981 as a Constable. Since that time, she has also served in field operations, corporate roles, investigation sectors, Commander for several detachments, Manager of the First Nations Policing Section, Director of Investigations under the auspices of the Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario, and headed the Queen’s Park Detachment with the Protective Services Bureau. In addition, McElary-Downer is the current Chair of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, Hearing Officer Committee and the past Chair of the Emergency Management Committee. She continues to serve the Office of the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario as Deputy Chief Aide-de-Camp.
“I am honoured and privileged to join the South Simcoe Police,” said incoming Deputy Police Chief, Robin McElary-Downer. “I’m excited about enhancing the many existing positive relationships between the Service and its two communities. I look forward to building on the Service’s past achievements in community safety and continuing to encourage its high standards of performance and commitment to continuous improvement to meet the demands of the future.”
McElary-Downer has been the recipient of several awards and commendations including the Governor General of Canada Order of Merit of Police Forces, the Queen’s Diamond and Golden Jubilee medals, and both the Ontario and
International Association of Women Law Enforcement awards for Officer of the Year. Recently, McElary-Downer and her husband, a retired Superintendent from the Peel Regional Police, moved to the village of Gilford. They spend their spare time boating in the summer, snowmobiling in the winter and riding their motorcycles whenever weather permits.
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