The Sarnia Police Service (SPS) Board has officially appointed Inspector Michael Van Sickle as the new deputy chief designate.
He was previously named acting deputy chief after Julie Craddock announced her departure to work with the Anishinabek Police Service (APS).
“As a lifelong resident of Sarnia and having spent the entirety of my policing career with the SPS, I am truly honored to be named the deputy chief of police," said Van Sickle in a statement. "The safety of our city is of paramount importance to me and our organization. I have chosen to spend my career here and raise my family here because this is an incredible community."
Van Sickle has spent nearly two decades with the SPS, working in different divisions. As deputy chief, he will maintain command of both the Operations Division and the Community Support Division.
"Inspector Van Sickle has shown himself to be very capable in leading through the current period of police service modernization," said SPS Board Chair Paul Wiersma. "Well respected within the police service, Inspector Van Sickle has forged positive relationships that will support the continued implementation of the strategic plan."
SPS Chief Derek Davis was also pleased with the board's decision.
“He has been an exemplary senior leader in our organization and evidence of the emerging leaders within our organization," said Davis. "I look forward to working with him in this new role as we continue our modernization process within the SPS in order to meet the ever evolving needs of our community.”
Aside from his professional contributions, the SPS also noted Van Sickle's community involvement with the Sarnia Minor Hockey Association and the Camlachie Athletic Association.
Van Sickle will work alongside Deputy Police Chief Ron Hansen, who was sworn in in August. The SPS Board approved the hiring of a second deputy chief earlier this year to oversee the Criminal Investigations Division.
