Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn has announced he's retiring next week.
On Thursday afternoon, the Chatham-Kent Police Services Board said it accepted Chief Conn’s intentions to retire on June 14, 2024.
The board noted Deputy Chief Kirk Earley will assume command as the Chief Designate effective June 15, 2024, until his official swearing in on June 19, 2024, as the next Chief of the Chatham-Kent Police Service.
Conn was appointed as Chief Designate of Police in April 2015 and officially took over as Chief of Police for Chatham-Kent in May 2015.
“It has been both an honour and a privilege to serve the residents of Chatham-Kent as a police officer and your Chief of Police. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the municipality, community, the police services board of Chatham-Kent, our senior officers, entire membership, and Associations," said Chief Conn. "Your trust, support, and collaboration have been the bedrock of our success."
Chief Conn noted the strength of our community has enabled officers to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all.
"Together, we have navigated through complex challenges, implemented innovative solutions, and fostered an organizational culture of excellence," he said. "Our collective efforts to foster trust and mutual respect have been truly inspiring and I am deeply thankful for each and all of you. The members of the Chatham-Kent Police Service and our community will always have a special place in my heart.”
Chief Conn was born and raised in London, Ontario where he graduated from the University of Western with an Honours Bachelor of Arts Degree in Sociology. He then enrolled in the Canadian Armed Forces and was a Commissioned Officer.
In 1995, the London Police Service hired him and in 1998, he joined the newly amalgamated Chatham-Kent Police Service (CKPS).
In 2002, Chief Conn also worked at the Ontario Police College for two years with the Basic Constable Training (BCT) program. He facilitated several of the practical courses, including Firearms, Defensive Tactics, Police Vehicle Operations, and Physical Training, according to Chatham-Kent police.
He was CK's Chief of Police for nine years and was known as a progressive and people-focused leader who was instrumental as a champion of change for many initiatives, said Chatham-Kent Police Services Board Chair Pat Weaver.
Chief Conn also facilitated the creation of a state-of-the-art training facility and firearms range and brought surveillance cameras to downtown areas of Chatham-Kent.
Weaver noted the chief has also worked in collaboration with the police services board and associations to increase and enhance supports and services for police personnel dealing with work-related operational stress injuries.
The chief also recently added 43 full time members to the service.
Chief Conn has completed his Master’s degree in Public Administration and his Doctor of Education and is a Board Director for the Chatham-Kent Women’s Centre.
He also sits on the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Use of Force Advisory Committee, is a Co-Chair for the Chatham-Kent Community Safety and Well-Being Steering Committee, a Co-Chair for the Ontario Police Health and Safety Committee, a past President of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, and is currently on the Board of Directors of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police representing Ontario.
“Chief Conn has been an integral part of the organization and has demonstrated exceptional leadership internally and externally," said Weaver. "Chief Conn has always focused on community safety and his contributions at all levels of government has and will continue to positively impact Chatham-Kent for the foreseeable future.”
Weaver said the new chief, Deputy Chief Earley, has displayed a strong commitment to the service and community for over 27 years and is deeply rooted in the Chatham-Kent community, being born, and raised here.
"He understands the organization, the people, and the needs of the community," Weaver said. "The Board has full confidence in Kirk’s ability, with an extensive career in all aspects of the organization, this will serve him well as he leads the service into the future. The Board is excited to work with the new Chief as he assumes his new role.”
Earley began his career with the Chatham Police Service as a special constable in 1997 and was sworn in as a constable in 1998. He has spent time in Community Patrol, Training, Community Priority Action Team, Major Crime, and the Intelligence Section.
“It’s an honour and a privilege to be given this opportunity and I thank the Board for their support," said Earley. "There are so many amazing individuals I have had the pleasure of working with over the years, and each relationship developed has had an impact on this achievement."
Earley said a key priority for success will be ensuring the health and well-being of his members, adding member wellness is not just a buzz word, it is a fundamental principle that enables officers to perform at their best.
"When we take care of our members, we are far better equipped to care for and serve those around us. With the significant shift in crime complexity, we must work diligently to ensure our goals and objectives are in-line with the needs of our community, through meaningful dialogue," he said.
Earley noted CKPS will continue to take a collaborative approach to ensure the appropriate resources are in place for members and for the community.
"We will engage the community to understand the unique challenges we face, while building positive relationships built on mutual respect and trust," the new chief said.
Earley has an Honours Degree in Criminology from Athabasca University, a Master of Arts Degree in Leadership from the University of Guelph, and is a graduate of the Police Leadership Program from the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management.
He is a member of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and is actively involved in various committees through that group.
The Change of Command and Swearing in Ceremony will take place on June 19, 2024, at 11 a.m. at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre in Council Chambers.
RSVP Larissa Jackson at larissaj@chatham-kent.ca if you plan to attend.
