Lasalle police chief retiring following three-decade career
Lasalle Police Chief Duncan Davies is retiring after a 33-year career.
Davies has informed the Lasalle Police Services Board that he will officially retire on Oct. 1.
“On behalf of the board, we would like to congratulate Chief Davies on his retirement and thank him for his dedicated service to our community during his 33 years of active enforcement,” said Lasalle Mayor Crystal Meloche, also chair of the police board. “We acknowledge the chief 's accomplishments during his tenure ensuring that community safety was always a priority. His wealth of knowledge of the organization and Lasalle will be missed and we wish him a fulfilling retirement.”
Davies began his career in 1991 as a customs inspector with Revenue Canada, Customs and Excise. He joined Lasalle police in 1996.
In 2000, Davies received an Honourable Mention for the National Police Award for Traffic Safety. His idea led to the “Reduce the Risk” armband campaign, which provided schoolchildren with reflective armbands to help make them more visible at night.
In 2017, Davies also received the Police Exemplary Service Medal from the Governor General of Canada for completing 20 years of fulltime exemplary police service. He was named chief of Lasalle police in January 2021.
“I am very thankful to the Lasalle Police Services Board for having the confidence in me to lead our great organization,” said Davies. “I will be forever grateful to have served as the chief of the Lasalle Police Service leading our members as a team through the many challenges that police work brings. I truly believe that our service has developed into one of the finest police agencies in the province due, in no small part, to a supportive and engaged community.”
Since Davies took on the role of chief, the Lasalle Police Service said it has made significant improvements in a host of core policing functions.
“Team Lasalle is grateful for Chief Davies's commitment, sacrifice, and efforts over his long honourable career,” said town CAO Joe Milicia. “While we will miss his leadership, guidance, and unwavering support for the citizens of Lasalle, we are happy for him and his family as he enters the next chapter in his life.”
The police board said discussions will begin soon about the search for Davies's successor.