The Sarnia Police Services Board has named a new deputy police chief.
Inspector Julie Craddock with the Halton Regional Police Service will be the first woman to serve in the position with the Sarnia Police Service.
"I think that comes for me with a little bit of added responsibility," said Craddock. "I think it's putting me into a position that I hope other women within the organization look up to and see that you can have a very successful career and raise families at the same time. It's something that I know is a challenge specifically for women in law enforcement. I think my leadership style is one that is about guiding and providing leadership and mentorship to all members of the organization, not just specifically women. But, it does help when you look around the table and you see people that are like you."
Craddock started her policing career in 1994 as a member of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) in northern Ontario.
She transferred to Halton police in 1995 and has served in a number of roles including criminal investigations, traffic and recruiting. Currently she's the Commander of Regional Community Mobilization and Engagement.
Craddock said policing is in her blood.
"It is a family business, my dad's actually a retired member of the Toronto Police Service, so is my brother and my husband is a member of the RCMP," said Craddock. "I have four children, two of them right now are currently serving with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, which is Canada's largest Indigenous police service."
Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis said he is looking forward to working with Inspector Craddock again.
"I'm very pleased with the board's decision, I'm in full support of how they've selected to move forward," said Davis. "She and I worked very, very well in the past for many, many years. I think Julie's presence as deputy chief is exclusively based on her merit, on her extensive work experience, on her skills, knowledge, everything that she brings to the table. So, I just want to be clear, in my observation this is definitely a merit based appointment of someone who also happens to be our first female deputy chief."
Craddock is a member of the Beausoleil First Nation and is actively involved with the local Urban Indigenous Community in Halton. She is currently completing a Bachelor of Arts in Equity, Diversity and Human Rights.
Board Vice-Chair Paul Wiersma said Inspector Craddock was one of 10 candidates who applied for the position.
"I think the experience that she was able to articulate in the interview, for example she has lots of experience working with the school boards in the Halton Region and we think that's an important partnership," said Wiersma. "She also was responsible for the volunteer auxiliary and we're looking at implementing that in Sarnia."
Craddock will be taking over for Interim Deputy Chief Inspector Peter Murphy on March 6, 2023.