Robert Bruce, a former chief superintendent with the Ontario Provincial Police, has been named Saint John's next police chief. (Image: Saint John Police Commission/submitted)
A former chief superintendent with the Ontario Provincial Police has been named Saint John’s next police chief.
Robert Bruce has been appointed to the force’s top job, the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners announced Friday.
Bruce, who was a member of the OPP for 33 years until his retirement in 2015, begins his new job on July 1.
Ed Keyes, chair of the board, said Bruce stood out among the candidates who applied for the job.
“He just has extensive policing experience with the OPP during his career there and his leadership abilities were widely recognized and something that the commission would see in the replacement of Chief Drolet,” Keyes said in an interview.
The search for a new police chief began after former chief Stephan Drolet stepped down from the position for personal reasons in February.
Commission members worked with third-party consulting firm Organization Consulting Limited (OCL) to help find the chief’s replacement. The same consulting firm was used during the search for Drolet.
The job posting said the new chief will get a salary of between $149,796 and $157,380.
According to the commission, more than 50 people applied for the force’s top job.
“We took a long list and interviewed and narrowed it down to a shortlist and then interviewed those on the shortlist and then interviewed on the shortlist again and made the decision,” said Keyes.
Since his retirement from the OPP, Bruce has been providing keynote speaking addresses, training, and consulting on various leadership topics to a wide range of audiences in the private and public sector. He is also a published author.
Bruce was awarded the Police Exemplary Service medal with bar, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, a Commissioners citation for lifesaving and several other commendations and awards that recognized his vision, integrity, courage, and compassion.
“I am honoured and privileged that the Saint John Board of Police Commissioners have the confidence and trust to appoint me as the next Chief of Police for Saint John,” Bruce said in a news release.
“I look forward to serving with and earning the trust and confidence of the members of the Police Force and the community. Together, we will deliver services that enhance innovation, accountability, transparency, sustainability and affordability.”
Deputy Chief Tony Hayes assumed the role of interim police chief during the search. He will resume his responsibilities as the force’s deputy chief once Bruce arrives.
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