New police Chief Murray Rodd, Honourable Justice Elaine Deluzio, and new deputy chief Sheri Meeks photographed after the swearing-in ceremony. Photo by Sam Franks.
By Sam Franks
Belleville – The City of Belleville has a new police chief and a new deputy police chief.
In front of family, friends. colleagues, and other members of the community, the city welcomed Chief Murray Rodd to his new role. Sheri Meeks was also promoted to deputy chief.
Their oaths were taken at the Quinte Consolidated Courthouse on Monday afternoon.
The ceremony was presided by Honourable Justice Elaine Deluzio.
Acting chair of the Belleville Police Service Board, Heather Smith presented the badges to the new chief and deputy chief.
Rodd brings over thirty-years of experience to his new role.
“I’m very honoured to be a part of this organization, very professional organization in all measures. Just very excited to be a part of a growing community with a very progressive leadership, you know, with council and a wonderful board,” says Rodd.
Rodd is familiar with the role of chief from his time spent with the Peterborough Police Service. Rodd came out of retirement to take on this new role.
“Policing has always been what I enjoyed the most. I’ve done other things but always enjoyed policing, and I wasn’t ready to retire,” Rodd told the media.
Meeks has 28 years of service, all spent with the Belleville Police Service.
She is the first female deputy chief in Belleville.
“I’m proud that I am here today, but I’d like to get to a point where it’s not the focus point anymore,” Meeks said.
Meeks has been an advocate for women in policing and traditionally male dominated workforces for years.
“I think any opportunity that you have those diverse perspectives at the table – men, women, different cultures, different ideas only makes a community and a service stronger,” said Meeks.
Meeks and Rodd have worked together on different education and training programs.
The two are eager and excited to work together again.
“I think we’re going to work very well together, with my community knowledge and his experience as a leader and chief. I’m going to learn lots from him, and in the same breath, he’s going to learn from me,” Meeks said.
Meeks seems confident that her and Rodd can address some of Belleville’s challenges.
Some of these challenges include mental health and addictions, and homelessness.
“It’s to continue to have those conversations and figure out that it’s not one role – the role of one agency to try to fix that – it’s working together and trying to figure out how to make the community safe,” said Meeks.
“I’m very honoured to have this new opportunity to work with Chief Rodd and continue to work on our community,” she said.
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