MANITOULIN—The Manitoulin detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) welcomed a new acting inspector detachment commander in the past few days.
“We would like to welcome the Manitoulin OPP new acting inspector (detachment commander) Robert Walsh, who comes here from the East Algoma detachment,” said Al Boyd, chair of the Manitoulin Community Police Advisory Committee (MCPAC), at a meeting last week. “I’m sure you will enjoy it here.”
Mr. Boyd pointed out previous acting inspector detachment commander Megan Moriarity has transferred to the West Nipissing OPP from Manitoulin. “We wish best wishes to Megan for all her assistance and we appreciate all the support she provided this committee.”
Inspector Walsh told the committee, “I’ve been with the OPP for the past 16 years (having started in 2007). I grew up in a policing family, my dad was with the OPP for 34 years until he retired for a year. He then went back and has been with the OPP for 45 years.”
Inspector Walsh also has an uncle and an older brother who are both in policing as well.
“I started my career in Goderich,” said Inspector Walsh, who has also been stationed with the OPP in Wawa, Superior East for the past four years in Blind River. He took over the position of acting inspector for the Manitoulin OPP detachment on May 1. “I have been fortunate to work in a multitude of detachments and can provide a unique perspective, and hopefully will benefit the Manitoulin detachment.”
“I’m still getting familiar and learning about the Island and the local communities,” said Inspector Walsh. “I visited the Gore Bay detachment today and have met with the UCCM and Wikwemikong police force as well.”
Inspector Walsh lives in Blind River with his wife and two children, a four-year-old daughter and seven-year-old son.
Mr. Boyd added, “it is very nice to have you here. If we can be of assistance don’t hesitate to ask.”
