Starting anew humbling, new chief tells Rotarians
Gilbert looking for a home in Peterborough
Starting anew is a humbling experience because of how much you learn about yourself from others when they learn that you are leaving, newly minted city police Chief Scott Gilbert told city Rotarians on Monday.
To that end, he urged members of the service club to take the opportunity to tell others their value to them sooner, than later.
“Because when people hear that, they have an opportunity to continue that hard work and stay on that path,” he said during Peterborough Rotary Club’s weekly lunch meeting at the Holiday Inn Peterborough-Waterfront. The 38-year veteran of policing, who began his new role July 1, explained how he is in the process of educating himself on the service by asking questions and “trying not to be a pest” by asking ‘why’ all the time.
He has already done a ride-along and seeks to learn more about the community’s expectations of the police service.
The Durham Region resident hasn’t moved to the city yet but is looking for a home. The commute is twice the distance he travelled to Toronto, but he said he finishes it in less time and joked about learning what cruise control is.
Asked about what drew him to Peterborough, Gilbert pointed out that he first came to know the city from driving through it to visit relatives. He was raised in Toronto, but much of his family lives in
northern Ontario.
He left Toronto with mixed feelings. “It was almost like that first job application when I wanted to pump gas at the gas station.”
Gilbert pointed out that he wasn’t looking for a new job and it was the only position he considered during his career. In fact, the posting sat on his desk for some time before he applied the day before applications were due.
The new chief praised the work of the volunteers and noted that officers should be in line with Rotary’s guiding principles.
The club’s four-way test that emphasizes truth, fairness, building goodwill and better friendships and benefitting all concerned.
“I am very impressed with the great work that you all do,” he said.
Gilbert was introduced by Rotarian, city councillor, Peterborough Police Services Board member and recruitment committee member Dan McWilliams, who pointed out there was a nationwide search. “We have the best of the best here, I can assure you that.”
Mayor Daryl Bennett pointed out that Gilbert was the first unanimous choice for chief in the history of the police service and the long hours he has already been putting in.
The chief began his career with Toronto Police Service in September 1980 before rising through the ranks to become superintendent at 42 Division in the downtown area.
The married father of five has served in the traffic unit, the criminal investigations bureau, the sexual assault and child abuse unit at 55 Division, the criminal investigations and community response units at 13 Division and the professional standards bureau.
The University of Guelph and Humber College graduate also spent seven years leading a project to improve service delivery related to mental health, Rotarians heard.