South Simcoe Police Chief Andrew Fletcher is turning in his badge after almost 40 years in policing.
Bradford West Gwillimbury/Innisfil Police Services Board chairman Chris Gariepy made thew announcement today (Aug. 2) that Fletcher will retire at the end of September after more than 38 years in policing.
“On behalf of the board, I want to thank Chief Fletcher for his dedication and leadership to the communities of Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil,” Gariepy said in a news release. “Since assuming the role of chief at the South Simcoe Police Service in 2017, his vision, passion and strong commitment to community policing has been instrumental in the growth and modernization of the service.”
Fletcher began his policing career in 1984 with the Halton Regional Police Service and over the next 31 years enjoyed a variety of assignments in uniform patrol, with the tactical team, criminal investigations, drugs and morality, and the homicide unit. In 2007, he was promoted to deputy chief of Halton police and spent eight years overseeing both operations and administration.
Fletcher joined South Simcoe police as deputy chief on June 1, 2015 and was promoted to police chief in May 2017.
During his tenure as chief of police, Fletcher implemented several initiatives focusing on community policing, including expanding the number of front-line officers; civilianization of specialized roles, such as corporate communications and community liaison; and the historic appointments of the service’s first female deputy chief and inspector.
Fletcher also focused on the use of technology to enhance safety, such as the recent implementation of body-worn cameras, and has introduced a variety of clothing and equipment enhancements to the service. In addition, to recognize the value, diversity and excellence of service members, the chief introduced an annual employee recognition and awards ceremony, and was instrumental in supporting the service’s first Pride celebrations and community engagement.
He also served as a vice-president with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP), is co-chair of the OACP Community Safety and Crime Prevention Committee, and is chair of the OACP Law Enforcement Torch Run Committee, and is a supporter of Special Olympics campaigns that support and promote the athletes that are near and dear to his heart. Fletcher volunteered within the community as co-chair of the Simcoe County Local Immigration Partnership Council, as a member of the Simcoe Muskoka Opioid Strategy, and as a member of the Innisfil Rotary Club.
Fletcher is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and is a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and the Governor General of Canada Order of Merit of the Police Forces. In 2019, he was inducted into the Canadian Society of Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame. He has also been instrumental in the development of a Community Safety and Well-Being plan for the County of Simcoe.
“I am extremely proud of the South Simcoe Police Service and am grateful for the opportunity to lead this amazing team. Together we have made this a top-notch, well-respected police service, ready to meet whatever lies ahead," Fletcher said in a release.
Fletcher’s final day is Sept. 30, 2022.
South Simcoe police says the process to select a new police chief is underway.
