The London Police Services Board come to a conclusion on who will fill Chief Brad Duncan’s shoes come May.
Deputy Chief John Pare has been announced as London’s next Chief of Police.
Pare began his policing career with the Lasalle Police Service in 1987 and has spent 26 years with the London Police Service. For the last three years, he has served as the Deputy Chief.
Pare’s resume is a long one with a strong focus on mental health work.
He says he would like to continue with that work when he assumes his new role in the summer.
Chief Designate John Pare
“To me, that’s an important piece for our community. We really have to get the services opened up and pathways so that people know where to go to get what they need,” he says. “I’ve been involved in the mental health area for a long time, it is close to my heart. Over the course of my career, you see the gaps in services and the challenges people have with mental health and addictions.”
Pare also had very high praise for current Chief Brad Duncan, calling him a good role model that has provided him with great leadership.
“The biggest thing is to listen and be mindful of your decisions and the impacts that they’ll have, not only on the service but the community,” Pare said when asked what lessons he took from Duncan.
Mayor Matt Brown was also on hand for the announcement and is looking forward to working with the new chief.
“I have all the confidence in the world that our selection will be able to take those responsibilities and run with it,” Brown says. “It’s an exciting day for London, it’s an important day for London, and it’s the most important decision our police services board will make over the term.”
Pare is the 19th chief in the history of the London Police Service, which began in 1855.
photo by London Police
