Members from various police services filled council chambers at City Hall as the first female deputy police chief within the Sarnia Police Service (SPS) was sworn in.
Julie Craddock received her new badge during a ceremony Monday afternoon.
The Sarnia Police Services Board named Craddock, formerly of Halton Regional Police, to the role in December 2022.
Several of her former colleagues were present at city hall on Monday. Among those in uniform were various city and city/county councillors, members of Aamjiwnaang First Nation, and Craddock's family -- many of whom are members of a police service.
Craddock's husband is a member of the RCMP, two of her four children are officers with the Nishnawbe Aski Police Service, her brother is a retired Toronto police officer, and her father is a retired Det. Sgt. of the Toronto Police Service.
Deputy Police Chief Julie Craddock with her family. March 6, 2023. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Her mother, Sandy Craddock, had tears in her eyes as her daughter was sworn in. Her father, Frank Craddock, presented his daughter with her new badge.
"I'm very proud," he said. "She's a very dedicated police officer and very well-liked and respected … She'll do an excellent job for the City of Sarnia."
Craddock herself also became slightly emotional when she thanked the various members of her family during her speech.
During an interview with Sarnia News Today, Craddock said the response to her hiring has been positive.
"I'm really excited to finally get sworn in, and start getting to know the community a little bit better and work with everybody in the organization," she said.
"The acting deputy chief that has been covering until I arrived, Peter Murphy, has been nothing short of just welcoming and really helpful in helping me with that transition."
Julie Craddock sworn in as SPS deputy police chief. March 6, 2023. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Craddock is also familiar with Sarnia Police Chief Derek Davis, as the two have a past professional relationship.
"She's going to bring a ton of positive experience and energy," said Davis. "We do have a lot of work ahead of us as an organization, as all city police services do, so [Craddock] is going to be a real asset to us moving forward."
Davis also said the skills they each have complement each other, which is something the Sarnia Police Service's Board Chair also referenced.
"What we really liked too is that her skill set is so complimentary of that of the chief. They're going to be a great team," said Paul Wiersma.
Aamjiwnaang First Nation Chief Chris Plain also said a few words during Monday's ceremony to welcome Craddock. He said it's "wonderful" to see a female deputy chief who also has an Indigenous background.
"I think it provides an opportunity for young ladies to be able to engage with her and maybe get some of her life stories," said Plain. "If she can provide some inspiration to some young women within our community and the greater community, all the better for us all."
Craddock began her policing career in 1994 and served in multiple areas across the country.
During Monday's ceremony, she referenced the importance of protecting vulnerable communities and the respect she has for fellow officers.
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, MPP Bob Bailey, and MP Marilyn Gladu were not present during Monday's event. However, Bailey and Gladu sent letters of congratulations which were mentioned during the ceremony.
