Latest news with #BrentDuguay
CTV News
07-08-2025
- CTV News
Sault appoints new police chief with 3 decades of experience
Sault appoints new police chief with 3 decades of experience Sault Ste. Marie named former deputy chief Brent Duguay as its new Chief of Police Wednesday. The 30-year veteran called it an "incredible honour" to lead his hometown force.
CTV News
06-08-2025
- CTV News
Sault Ste. Marie welcomes new police chief
An undated portrait of Brent Duguay. Duguay was appointed as the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service's Chief of Police on August 6, 2025. (Supplied/Sault Ste. Marie Police Service) The Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has officially named Brent Duguay as its new Chief of Police, effective Aug. 6. With over 30 years of service in the force, Duguay steps into the role with deep roots in the community and a proven track record of leadership. A second-generation officer, Duguay was raised in a policing family – his father retired as an Inspector – instilling in him the values of integrity and public service. 'It is an incredible honour to serve as Chief of Police in the community where I was born, raised, and served as a police officer for more than three decades,' Duguay said in a news release Wednesday. 'The Sault Police has shaped who I am, both professionally and personally.' Board confident in vision for modern policing The police services board expressed strong support for Duguay's appointment, citing his operational expertise and forward-thinking approach. Chair of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Board Nuala Kenny emphasized his qualifications. 'Chief Duguay embodies the values and vision we believe are essential for the future of policing in Sault Ste. Marie and Prince Township. His decades of service, deep community roots, and forward-thinking leadership will serve our community well in the years to come.' A message for the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Boardervice An August 6, 2025, letter from the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service Board noting that Brent Duguay has been appoint as the city's Chief of Police. (Supplied/Sault Ste. Marie Police Service) Duguay's career includes major investigations, such as joint forces operations targeting drugs and organized crime, collaborating with police agencies across Ontario. This experience positions him to lead the service through evolving challenges in law enforcement. Next steps: Swearing-in ceremony and deputy chief recruitment An official swearing-in ceremony will be held in the coming weeks, allowing the community to formally welcome its new chief. Meanwhile, the process to fill the now-vacant Deputy Chief position will also begin shortly. As Duguay takes the helm, he says his focus remains on collaboration and safety. 'I look forward to continuing to work alongside the dedicated members of the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service to build a safer and stronger community for everyone,' he said. With his leadership, the force aims to uphold its legacy while adapting to the future of policing.
Hamilton Spectator
12-05-2025
- Hamilton Spectator
Sault Ste. Marie Police Service celebrates Division 2 opening
Sault Ste. Marie Police Service has officially launched its new Division 2 location at 180 Brock St., with an outdoor barbeque held in partnership with Victim Services. Monday afternoon's launch also marked the beginning of Police Week and Victims and Survivors of Crime Week. While officers have been operating out of the site since April 28, the building is not yet open to the public as an intercom system for security purposes still needs to be installed. Public access is expected in the coming weeks, with a transition period as police and community members adjust to the new service model. The collision reporting centre, along with Crime Stoppers and Victim Services, will also relocate to the new downtown site. Division 2 is staffed by four constables and a sergeant, with a total of 17 staff working from the new location. This includes members from Traffic Services, the Canine Unit, the Central Support Bureau, a Community Safety Officer, and the High School Liaison Officer. It has taken a year and a half to bring the project to life. Approximately $850,000 was allocated for renovations and the move, although a final cost has not yet been released. The 84,000-square-foot facility spans two floors and includes interview rooms, an elevator, offices, change rooms, storage space, and a lunchroom. Officers working in the downtown area now have a convenient location to complete paperwork without needing to return to headquarters on Second Line East. 'It's been a long time coming and we're proud to see it finally taking shape down here,' said interim Chief Brent Duguay. Duguay reported that within Division 2's first month of operations, officers have made 15 arrests, issued nine provincial offences, and handed out two bylaw tickets. He also noted strong early engagement with local businesses. 'The biggest engagement so far has been with store owners to make sure they know who to call if there's a problem,' he told the crowd of about 20 gathered outside the new building. Insp. Derek Dewar said the move was in response to feedback from the public and city council, who voiced a desire for a stronger police presence downtown. 'So far the impact has been overwhelmingly positive,' said Dewar. 'It lessens the burden of the existing building,' he added, referring to the main station, which he said is 'bursting at the seams.' Dewar said downtown officers will conduct beat and bicycle patrols, with a proactive approach aimed at improving response times and community safety in the core. Jasmine Savoie, executive director of Victim Services, emphasized that individuals seeking their support do not have to report each incident to police. 'That's a huge barrier to some of our friends who may have run-ins,' said Savoie. She noted that a large part of Victim Services's mission involves raising awareness for victims and survivors of crimes such as trafficking, intimate partner violence (IPV), and homicide. She hopes the new location, which the agency has been operating from for a week, will make it easier for people to access support. 'We think that having more of a central location is better for the downtown core,' said Savoie. 'We can meet a lot more people in their own environment.'
