Belleville’s new Deputy Police Chief Mike Callahan (left) and Chief of Police Ron Gignac (right) stand with the Justice Stephen Hunter, at their swearing-in ceremony. It was held at the Quinte Consolidated Courthouse, January 17, 2017. (Photo: David Foot / Quinte News)
A new era has officially begun for the Belleville Police Service, as Ron Gignac has been sworn in as the new Chief of Police, with Mike Callahan being named his deputy.
Gignac takes over from Cory MacKay, who had been chief in Belleville for about seven years, before retiring at the end of 2016.
The pair were officially sworn in at the Quinte Consolidated Courthouse on Thursday afternoon, by the Justice Stephen Hunter.
Chief Gignac spoke to Quinte News following the ceremony and says the day is more about the people of Belleville than about himself.
When asked about any initiatives or priorities he wanted to work on, Gignac says for now, the plan is to keep the service on a steady course and not make any drastic changes right away.
Chief Gignac also gave credit to outgoing Chief MacKay and her senior staff, who have left the police force in fine shape for him to take over.
There was an extra special moment on Thursday as well, as Deputy Callahan was presented his badge.
The presentation was made by his two sons Shamus and Josh, who are officers with the Ottawa Police, a moment that Callahan says he’ll never forget.
Both Gignac and Callahan have been with the Belleville Police Service for just over a year, after serving in various other policing and public service roles previously in their careers.
