WIIKWEMKOONG—The Wikwemikong Tribal Police (WTPS) has announce a new chief of police. The board of the WTPS is pleased to announce the appointment of Ronald Gignac to the permanent position following a comprehensive search process.
“Chief Gignac will commence work on June 26 with a formal swearing in date to be determined. We look forward to introducing our community to Chief Gignac,” the WTPS said in a press release.
Chief of Police Gignac brings 38 years of professional experience, including 15 years with the Canadian Armed Forces, 13 years with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and police chief for more than a decade with the Deep River Police and Belleville Police.
“Having always led with compassion, Chief Gignac has built a reputation for being reliable and trustworthy in all the communities he has served,” said WTPS board president Lawrence Enosse in a press release. “His diverse leadership experience demonstrates his ability to navigate difficult situations, while always maintaining his professionalism and high-quality service. In 2018, he was awarded national recognition for reducing violent crime in his jurisdiction, more than any other police chief in Canada, within just one year of his appointment.”
“We would also like to take this opportunity to thank the OPP for the secondment of Acting Police Chief Jason Spooner who helped lead our service prior to Chief Gignac’s appointment,” continued Mr. Enosse. “Acting Chief Spooner brought much needed stability to the force and during his tenure saw our police force increase its capacity to help our community. Both the Wiikwemkoong community and WTPS owe a debt of gratitude to Acting Chief Spooner for a job well done. On behalf of the board, officers and civilian employees thank you, Acting Chief Spooner, for your hard work, dedication and thoughtfulness.”
“It is now time for a new chapter for WTPS and on behalf of our board, our officers, civilian employees and our entire community, we welcome Ron Gignac to Wiikwemkoong,” said Mr. Enosse.
“There is no definition of success that does not include service to others,” said Chief of Police Gignac of his interest in joining WTPS. “The WTPS has made strides in community policing over the past few years. I’m honoured to continue to build on our service and further our shared goal of making Wiikwemkoong the safest community in Ontario. I’m grateful to be entrusted with this challenge.”
