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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday June 21, 2006 - 9 Chief's swearing in full of pomp and ceremony Continued from page 1 Chambers, was attended by police officers from a spectrum of jurisdictions (OPP, RCMP, Peel), area politicians, past and present Halton Regional Police Services Board members plus Crowell's family, close friends and more. Even former Halton Regional Police Chief James Harding was on hand. (Later, at Crowell's request, Harding was surprised by the singing of Happy Birthday, led by the Halton Regional Police Chorus.) Front and centre, of course, was recently retired Chief Ean Algar, who offered Crowell some advise, but also praised his successor as a "friend and confidant" and a man of "strong moral character." "I know you'll continue to make the service proud," said Algar. The event began with the entry of the day's VIPs led by Pipe Major Allan Eaton, the presentation of the Service Colours and a rendition of O Canada sung by Const. Geraldine DeFoe. Then Halton Regional Police Services Board Chair Kenneth Musgrave addressed the crowd on this "most important occasion," alluding to Algar's 38 years of "dedicated service" to law enforcement. He then praised Algar's legacy. The Board, said Musgrave, was very careful in selecting a new chief who will carry that forward. "The Board is confident Gary is the right person to lead us in the future," he added. Next up was Algar, who said this was the last time he'd wear his uniform, the last time he'd wear his medals and "speak to you as Chief." Although he will no longer carry his badge, Algar pledged to keep it in a "place of honour." He then thanked everyone from the Board "for the faith you put in me," to Regional Council, which always tried to balance budgetary considerations with the needs of the police service. The audience responded to Algar's final appearance with a standing ovation. Savoline echoed Musgrave's sentiment that Halton will be well served by Crowell's tenure as chief, lauding his rise through the ranks as a "true leader" and saying he brings "unwavering integrity" to the job. After Chaplain Hans Hamer read from Proverbs, Chapter Two, which deals with King Solomon's pursuit of wisdom, Crowell took the Oath of Office, administered by Madam Justice Janet Simmons, a long-time friend of Crowell and a past Chair of the Peel Regional Police Services Board. Crowell placed his hand on a Bible inscribed for the occasion which was given to him as a keepsake. "It is my honour and indeed my pleasure to administer the oath," said Justice Simmons. Algar transferred the Sword of Authority to the service receives more praise than complaints. "As chief, I will live up to the values of this service." Crowell - who attended M.M. Robinson High School in Burlington, where he lives today - commenced his policing career in 1970 with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in Nova Scotia. After joining Peel, he rose through the ranks and had been an operational superintendent when he first donned a Halton Regional Police uni- form as Deputy Chief on Feb. 15, 1999. Crowell earned the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery for his part in the 1979 Mississauga train derailment. He is also a recipient of the Police Exemplary Service Medal and the Canadian Medal of Merit. At Monday's ceremony, Crowell pledged that his enthusiasm and dedication will persist unabated. "I promise to continue to give you my all," he said. KEVIN HILL / SPECIAL TO THE BEAVER FINAL SALUTE: Former Halton Police Chief Ean Algar gives one final official salute. Crowell, who then received his Chief's Badge from his son. Finally, it was the new chief's turn to speak and he wasted no time thanking a long list of people close to his heart. "I'm indeed overwhelmed by the turnout and by your presence," said Crowell, who assumed his new duties on June 3. He then characterized Halton Regional Police as the "premier police service in Canada" and explained that all officers live by the organization's motto: Progress Through Participation. "These three words speak to the heart of how we do business," he said. This way of conducting duties includes an emphasis on diversity and respect for everyone, Crowell continued, plus the time-honoured law enforcement concept that the public is the police and vice-versa. To maintain public trust, however, it is up to every officer to conduct themselves both on and off-duty with only the highest of standards. Breaches of good conduct will not be tolerated, he added. "Our service has always maintained its values," said Crowell, admitting mistakes are made but that