OPP Change of Command (+video)
ONTARIO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, PREMIER, NEW SAFETY MINISTER WELCOME NEW OPP COMMISSIONER AT CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY
(ORILLIA, ON) – Tuesday, August 31st, hundreds gathered at the Denison Armoury in Toronto to witness a historical Change of Command ceremony that saw Commissioner (Retired) Julian Fantino turn over command of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to newly-appointed OPP Commissioner Chris D. Lewis.
The ceremony began with the two commissioners being marched in with the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario. The Honourable David C. Onley, the Ontario Premier, The Honourable Dalton McGuinty and the new Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, The Honourable Jim Bradley. The dignitaries were led in by a parade comprised of the Commissioner’s Own Pipes and Drums, an honour guard composed of auxiliary and uniform members and the OPP Ceremonial Unit.
Dignitaries, family members, OPP uniform and civilian personnel, members of other police services, media, family and friends witnessed as Commissioner Fantino passed the Tipstaff to Commissioner Lewis. The passing of the Tipstaff is an important tradition that has rich roots in policing and symbolizes the authority of the Office of the Commissioner in the OPP.
After proudly accepting the Tipstaff, Commissioner Lewis expressed his heartfelt appreciation to his predecessor and supporters as he looked ahead to his command as the OPP’s 13th Commissioner.
