More than 200 people gathered for a change of command ceremony for the Thunder Bay Police Service this afternoon.
Darcy Fleury is now in charge of the beleaguered force.
There are high hopes and expectations that he’ll be able to turn things around.
“I was fortunate to find my passion at an early age and been privileged to have lived it for the past 36 plus years,” said Fleury. “That passion is to serve, to do the best I can to make people feel safe, to let people know that at the worst of times, they can rely on me to help make things a little better.”
Originally from Manitoba, Fleury is a member of the Manitoba Métis Federation where his father was a founding member.
He’s spent his career with the RCMP most recently as a district commander in central Alberta.
Fleury is taking over a force that has faced accusations of racism, incompetence and shoddy investigations.
Nishnawbe Aski Nation Deputy Grand Chief Anna Betty Achneepineskum spoke at the ceremony.
She said NAN officials met with the incoming chief a few weeks ago.
“In order for us to move forward, we must work together and that is the message that I bring from the leadership and citizens of Nishnawbe Aski Nation, is that we need to work together,” she said.
“We are very grateful for this opportunity that we are here to speak about the injustices that have taken place and that need and opportunity for that change that needs to happen.”
