MEDIA RELEASE
January 14, 2014
The Lethbridge Regional Police Commission would like to inform the community that Police Chief Tom McKenzie has announced his retirement after 37 years of service.
McKenzie, who was hired in 1976, rose through the ranks and was appointed Chief of Police in 2007, has advised the Commission that he will not be seeking a renewal of his contract.
“On behalf of the Commission, I would like to take this opportunity to thank Chief McKenzie for his 37 years of dedicated service to our communities,” said Sandy McKay, Commission Vice-Chair. “Significant progress has been made during his tenure and he has set the stage for this organization to move forward into the future and ensure the citizens of Lethbridge and Coaldale continue to receive the highest level of service.”
As the Lethbridge Regional Police Service is currently developing its budget and business plan for the 2015-2018 cycle, the Commission has asked Chief McKenzie to remain in his position until the end of October – an additional three months past the July expiry of his current contract – in order to assist them in completing this process. Chief McKenzie has agreed and the process to formalize this three-month extension is underway.
Under the Police Act, Police Commissions are responsible for appointing the Chief of Police. In the coming months the Lethbridge Regional Police Commission will work with the Police Service and City of Lethbridge to conduct a comprehensive search for the next Chief.
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