Cathy Dobson
Julie Craddock, Sarnia’s first female deputy police chief, was sworn in Monday in front a full house at city hall.
“A healthy workplace culture is cultivated by the leadership of an organization,” Craddock said after the swearing-in ceremony conducted by Justice Mark Poland.
“…the dangers that (police) face daily are not lost on me. In the last year, five of our colleagues were murdered in the line of duty – four of them in this province alone,” she said.
“I know that weighs on you because it weighs on my too. And yet every day, you show up, you respond and you’re asked to navigate the complexities of society, often without so much as a thank you.
“As your new deputy and a new member of this community, I want to say thank you…Know that your physical, mental, and spiritual wellbeing is my number one priority.”
“Persons in these roles have a responsibility to foster a community so that (the police department) thrives, not only as resources, but more importantly as human beings,” she said, addressing about 150 family, friends, Sarnia Police Services members and city councillors.
She said she is proud to be a part of the local police team and thanked acting deputy chief Peter Murphy who served in the position the past nine months and facilitated a smooth transition.
Police Chief Derek Davis welcomed the new deputy police chief and noted that the two worked together in Halton Region before. Davis said he looks forward to working with her again, especially at a time when policing is challenged by “relentless change.”
The new deputy chief understands the challenges of modern policing, Davis said, adding that numerous members of Craddock’s family have police experience.
Craddock’s husband, Shawn MacFadyen, is an RCMP officer and two of her four children are officers with the Nishnawbe Aski police department in northern Ontario.
Craddock’s father, Frank Craddock, a retired deputy sergeant with the Toronto police department, also spoke during the short ceremony, saying he is proud of her accomplishments.
Aamjiwnaang Chief Chris Plain addressed the crowd, welcoming Craddock to the community and acknowledging that she is the first female to hold the job.
“You are an inspiration to a lot of young ladies,” Plain said. “We know you have an indigenous background, so feel free to get to know our community like your predecessors.
“We are very proud of you at Aamjiwnnang and wish you the best.”
Craddock is a member of Beausoleil First Nation.
She began her policing career in 1994 with the Ontario Provincial Police and was posted in northern Ontario. Most recently, she was the commander of regional community mobilization and engagement with the Halton Regional Police Services.
Craddock was selected from several applicants for deputy chief, in part, because her leadership experience aligns with Sarnia police initiatives, said board chairman Paul Wiersma.
Since being transferred to the Halton Region in 1995, she’s held numerous roles including criminal investigations, traffic, recruiting, community mobilization and frontline operations at rank levels spanning from constable to inspector.
Craddock recently completed the Canadian Association of Chief’s of Police Executive Global Studies Program and is currently completing a BA in Equity, Diversity and Human Rights.
