WIIKWEMKOONG—For over three decades the Wikwemikong Police Service has benefitted from the steady and experienced hand of its veteran chief of police, but as of this week, Staff Sergeant Gary Reid will be hanging up his badge after almost 50 years.
“We appreciate his dedication to our community in a succession of police services during his over 49 years and more in policing,” said Wiikwemkoong Ogimaa Duke Peltier. “We also wish him all the best in enjoying his retirement and we will welcome him back to visit any time.”
“Gary has been in policing for 49.7 years, 30 years with the OPP,” said Manitoulin OPP Detachment Commander Kevin Webb. “The tremendous success of the Tripartite force, (with Wiikwemkoong along with the UCCM and the OPP) has been in a large part due to the aboriginal police force leadership like (Police Chief) Gary Reid.” Staff Sargeant Webb cited the tripartite drug strategy and the coordination of callouts, as well as a mutual transportation system as examples of those accomplishments.
Staff Sergeant Webb characterized Police Chief Reid’s leadership and work style as “very helpful” and cited his devotion to interforce cooperation as having greatly “added to the safety of all Manitoulin.”
“As a policing partner on Manitoulin l have come to working closely with both Chief Gary Reid and the Manitoulin OPP,” said Sergeant Rodney Nahwegahbow of the United Chiefs and Councils of Manitoulin (UCCM) Tribal Police Service. “What immediately comes to mind when I think of Gary is his dedication to his work. His passion to improve policing services not only for the community but for the organization and staff. During my travels to policing meetings on both the local and national levels, Gary has always been expressive on voicing the need to advance First Nation policing.”
“Chief Reid having been a former OPP officer and working with other First Nation Police Services prior to arriving in Wiikwemkoong placed him at an advantage when it came to understanding and accomplishing what was needed to meet the demands for his role,” said Chief Nahwegahbow. “Those close to him would recognize that he is a humble man and that is a great strength in his leadership. I take pride in the positive policing relationship that has been forged during his tenure,” continued Chief Nahwegabow. “Chief Reid had accomplished what very few can in this industry time by completing nearly 50 years of police service. Though I will miss his camaraderie, I certainly wish him the best in his retirement.”
