Sudbury announces new chief of police

Sudbury has first female police chief Sara Cunningham, a 26-year-veteran of Greater Sudbury Police, was named the services first female chief on Friday.

Sara Cunningham, who had been serving as deputy chief, has been selected as the new chief of police in Greater Sudbury.

Cunningham replaces Paul Pederson, who left in June to become the executive director of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police.

"Deputy Chief Cunningham’s 26 years with the service has made her well-equipped to assume this position," police board chair Al Sizer said in a news release Friday.

"She has served with pride, distinction and excellence, and brings vast experience to the role. I am very pleased to have her serve as our next chief."

Cunningham has served as both the operations and administrative deputy in the past three years.

"I am incredibly honoured that the board has selected me to serve as the next chief of police," Cunningham is quoted as saying in the release.

"Greater Sudbury has always been home and for the past 26 years, GSPS has been a part of my family. I am deeply committed to our members, their health and wellness and policing with pride and professionalism. I am dedicated to advancing innovative policing practices, effectively and efficiently deploying resources and continuing to engage with and learn from the diverse communities that we serve."

As deputy chief of administration, Cunningham directed the divisions of human resources and professional development, finance, communication and information technology, and information management.

"This included ensuring inclusive and diverse recruitment strategies, the preparation for the integration of Next Generation 911, and fiscal prudence through transitioning the service to a two-year budget cycle," the release said.

Cunningham holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Laurentian University and is a graduate of the University of Toronto Rotman School of Management Police Leadership Program.

She is the recipient of the Governor General Exemplary Service 20-year medal and the Order of Merit of Police Services. She is a member of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, and Ontario Women in Law Enforcement.

"Cunningham believes in strengthening community partnerships to support individuals suffering from homelessness, mental health, and addictions while addressing community safety, security and wellness," the release said.

"We thank former Chief Pedersen for his many years of dedicated service and continue to wish him the very best in his new role at the OACP,” Sizer said.

"We also wish to recognize the dedicated work of deputy chief Hiltz and deputy chief Cunningham who shared the role of acting chief during this recruitment process. We welcome Sara to her new role and wish her success in the future."

Cunningham formally begins her new role Sept. 23. Details on the swearing-in ceremony and the process of selecting a new deputy chief of police will be released shortly, the release said.