Posted Ottawa Citizen
OTTAWA — Premier Dalton McGuinty announced Wednesday that Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner Julian Fantino will be replaced on Aug. 1 by Deputy Commissioner Chris Lewis.
A 32-year veteran of the force, Lewis will take over the province's top cop job effective August 1.
"It means a lot to me," Lewis told Canwest News Service. "I've given a vast majority of my life to the organization and love it dearly. So to be appointed the commissioner of the organization is very humbling, but a real honour."
A native of Sault Ste Marie, Ont., Lewis joined the OPP in 1978, beginning his career as a constable in Kapuskasing, Ont.
He rose through the ranks to become deputy commissioner of field operations in 2007 — a post to which he was appointed by Fantino — where he was responsible for front-line officers in more than 300 municipalities across the province.
He also created the Aboriginal Policing Bureau and is a graduate of the FBI National Academy in Virginia.
"I think I have a real strong operational background," said Lewis. "At the same time, I think I'm very well-connected to the front line of the organization and understand the issues."
As a deputy for three-and-a-half years, Lewis said he has been involved in all the "decisions, plans and strategies" put into place under commissioner Fantino.
"But some of those things are works in progress and I plan on continuing those, but I also will put my own stamp on the organization over time," he said.
He added that he will continue to work on issues affecting First Nations, such as land-claim and treaty-right disputes.
McGuinty expressed his support for both commissioners in a statement.
"I want to congratulate deputy commissioner Lewis for a lifetime of outstanding service that has culminated in becoming our newest OPP Commissioner," McGuinty said. "I also want to thank outgoing commissioner Fantino for all he has done to uphold the law and keep Ontario's families safe."
Fantino's departure from the OPP was widely anticipated, and there is also speculation he may run for mayor of Vaughan, just north of Toronto.
He has been commissioner since 2006.
Fantino faced criminal charges earlier this year, which were later dropped by the Crown, over allegations of attempting to influence a municipal official during the native occupation in Caledonia.
Lewis, too, faced a charge of attempting to obstruct justice in the same matter. The charge was also dropped, he said.
"I fell into that same fray as the commissioner did at one point," he said. "It's an unfortunate piece of what comes with the turf."
As OPP commissioner, Lewis will accept responsibility for one of North America's largest deployed police services, which includes approximately 5,900 uniformed officers, 1,800 civilian employees and 850 auxiliary members.