Jason Bellaire named new chief of Windsor police
Jason Bellaire was introduced as Windsor's 19th police chief Tuesday morning.
“We're pleased to welcome him as the chief of the Windsor police,” said Mayor Drew Dilkens after introducing the 27-year police veteran as the new boss.
Bellaire takes over after assuming the role of interim chief eight months ago when Pam Mizuno retired after serving 2.5 years in the position.
“If you would have asked me years ago if I would have ended up in this position I would have been very, very surprised,” said the smiling chief. “I was always proud of the work I was involved in but I never thought that I would elevate to this position.”
Born and raised in Windsor, Bellaire was deputy chief overseeing operational strategies prior to taking over for Mizuno. Before that, he was an inspector for patrol response and was the first point of contact for community groups in Windsor and Amherstburg.
“The board made its decision. Ultimately narrowed down the pool. Interviewed several candidates and felt very comfortable with Jason's interview,” said Dilkens who told the gathering candidates from the RCMP, OPP and senior police administration from across the nation put their names in the hat, but the board found comfort in what Bellaire has done since taking over on an interim basis.
“He's well connected in the community. Knows the players and I think will have the best chance to hitting the ground running and being successful in the role.”
Bellaire wants to address culture change and help the force evolve. He also says his biggest challenge lies in the police response to social and health issues in our community.
“What we really want to do is reduce police interaction with individuals who are better served by other subject matter experts,” said Bellaire, who explained the force will work collaboratively with other agencies to address issues quickly and effectively.
“The police should be supporting rather than taking the lead on those roles which is what we're having conversations about with our community partners right now.”
Bellaire's five-year term begins Thursday, Dec. 1.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Deaths of 4 people on Sask. farm confirmed as murder-suicide
The deaths of four people on a farm near the Saskatchewan village of Neudorf have been confirmed a murder-suicide.
Multiple bridges in Calgary shut down for police incident
Calgary police have shut down a number of bridges into and out of the downtown core as officers deal with a distraught individual.
Sunshine list: These were the Ontario public sector's highest earners in 2023
Ontario released its annual sunshine list Thursday afternoon, noting that the largest year-over-year increases were in hospitals, municipalities, and post-secondary sectors.
Why some Christians are angry about Trump's 'God Bless the USA' Bible
Former U.S. President Donald Trump is officially selling a copy of the Bible themed to Lee Greenwood’s famous song, 'God Bless the USA.' But the concept of a Bible covered in the American flag has raised concern among religious circles.
Humboldt Broncos bus crash survivor qualifies Canada for Paralympics in rowing event
Former Humboldt Broncos goaltender and bus crash survivor Jacob Wassermann has qualified Canada for a rowing event for the 2024 Paralympic games in Paris.
Baby boom amongst nurses leads to maternity ward closure in Listowel, Ont.
The emergency room at Listowel’s hospital is open today, but come summer, their obstetrics unit will be temporarily closing its delivery rooms.
George Washington family secrets revealed by DNA from unmarked 19th century graves
Genetic analysis has shed light on a long-standing mystery surrounding the fates of U.S. President George Washington's younger brother Samuel and his kin.
Krispy Kreme doughnuts coming to McDonald's in U.S., but not Canada
Canadians will be missing out on a sweet new partnership between McDonald's and Krispy Kreme, which will see doughnuts available at McDonald's locations across the U.S. by the end of 2026.
'We won't forget': How some Muslims view Poilievre's stance on Israel-Hamas war
A spokesman for a regional Muslim advocacy group says Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre's stance on the Israel-Hamas war could complicate his party's relationship with Muslim Canadians.