New Barrie police chief sworn in, vows to prioritize officer wellness and community trust
Rich Johnston has been sworn in as the new chief of Barrie police.
Johnston takes over for former Chief Kimberley Greenwood, who passed the baton to him at a Change of Command ceremony attended by hundreds of people on Thursday afternoon.
Johnston has spent two decades patrolling the streets of Barrie and is well-positioned to lead the police service through the challenges it faces, including navigating the ongoing pandemic.
The new chief has set a goal of hiring an additional five officers in the new year to help strengthen the department's legitimacy and build trust with the community.
One of Johnston's main priorities will be the wellness of his officers, as he believes that for them to effectively protect the public, they must first be protected within the organization.
"It's honestly all about our member's wellness because if we want our people to be out there protecting the public, we need them protected in the organization as well," he said.
Johnston said he also recognizes the challenges facing policing at this time and aims to focus on building relationships and trust with the community through every interaction.
"I'm under no illusion that it's a rough time to be in policing. The women and men that are out there driving around, keeping our community safe are amazing people, but we need to be focused on police legitimacy in the community," he noted.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Infant dies in ATV crash, N.S. RCMP says alcohol may be a factor
An infant has died and three others, including another child, were taken to hospital following an ATV crash in Forties, N.S., on Monday.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.
'Scandals and secrets': On board the world's most exclusive private residential ship
It’s a floating city exclusively home to the 1 per cent, a playground for multimillionaires and billionaires that circumnavigates the world's oceans.
How Trump's hush money trial verdict could affect the 2024 election
Here is how three potential outcomes from the jury room ─ a guilty verdict, an acquittal or a hung jury ─ could affect the presidential campaign.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
An Iceland volcano starts erupting again, spewing lava into the sky
A volcano in southwestern Iceland erupted Wednesday for the fifth time since December, spewing red streams of lava in the latest display of nature’s power and triggering the evacuation of the popular Blue Lagoon geothermal spa.
'Are you driving?' U.S. man with suspended licence shows up on court Zoom call while behind the wheel
A Michigan man with a suspended driver's licence didn't appear to have thought through a recent court appearance made on video, joining the Zoom call while driving.
Heat-related monkey deaths are reported in several Mexican states
Heat-related howler monkeys deaths in Mexico have been recorded in a total of four states, environmental authorities said.
What weather experts say to expect this summer in Canada
Get ready to feel the heat, Canada. Weather experts are predicting more sunshine and warmer temperatures for the summer.