After leading the Chatham-Kent Police Service for the past nine years, Chief Gary Conn is retiring.
He’ll be replaced by Deputy Chief Kirk Earley, who takes the helm as chief designate June 15. Earley will be officially sworn at the Chatham-Kent Civic Centre June 19.
In a media release, CKPS board chair Patrick Weaver commended Conn on his “exceptional leadership” both externally and internally.
“Chief Conn has always focused on community safety and his contributions at all levels of government have, and will, continue to positively impact Chatham-Kent for the foreseeable future,” Weaver said.
Conn has worked in policing for close to 30 years. In 1995, the former Canadian Armed Forces commissioned officer was hired by the London Police Service. The London native was subsequently hired by the newly amalgamated CKPS in 1998.
A life-long advocate of learning, Conn holds a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Doctor of Education from Western University. He is also a graduate of the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Business police leadership program, as well as a graduate of the FBI National Academy.
As well, Conn has been part of numerous policing associations and the Ontario Police College, where he taught for two years. He has also facilitated practical courses at the school on topics such as firearms and defensive tactics.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the residents of Chatham-Kent as a police officer and your chief of police,” Conn stated.
He also expressed his gratitude to the community and colleagues for their efforts.
“Your trust, support and collaboration have been the bedrock of our success,” Conn said. “It is the strength of our community that enabled us to create a safer and more inclusive environment for all.”
Earley, a 27-year veteran with the CKPS, holds an Honour’s Degree in Criminology from Athabasca University and a Master’s of Arts degree in Leadership from University of Guelph. He’s also a graduate of the Rotman School of Management’s police leadership program and is a certified level three municipal manager.
During his career, the incoming chief has worked in various segments of the service, including intelligence and major crime, holding a number of supervisory roles.
Earley thanked the CKPS board for endorsing him, noting working together and engaging with the community are key moving forward.
“We will continue to take a collaborative approach, to ensure the appropriate resources are in place for our members and for the community, with the common goal to enhance the health and well-being of our community” Earley said. “We will engage the community to understand the unique challenges we face, while building positive relationships built on mutual respect.”
