Hundreds turn out to bid farewell to outgoing police chief

Hundreds turn out to bid farewell to outgoing police chief

HOWARD MOZEL Special to The IFP Although the crowd that bid farewell to retiring Police Chief Ean Algar last week was a large one, it still only touched on the breadth of respect with which he's regarded clear across Halton and beyond. After all, even though there were police officers, politicians, representatives from non-profit agencies, spokespeople for faith and multicultural groups, senior citizens and teenagers, it was obvious Algar's impact on his community could not be encapsulated in an hour's worth of heartfelt presentations-- but they certainly tried. "You are loved and cherished ... in this community," Laila Eiriksson, speaking for ance in the post-9/11 era. This the Halton Multicultural Council legacy, he maintained, "made a and the Bahá'ís of Oakville, told a real difference." visibly moved Algar, who became Algar was also lauded for his chief in 1999. tireless efforts in making Halton as During the event-- held Friday safe as possible for its most vulnerat regional headquarters on Algar's last day as chief after 38 years in able citizens, as voiced by Sexual policing-- the word most often Assault and Violence Intervention repeated was "leadership," made Services (SAVIS) executive direcin reference to both his style of tor Jacqueline Benn-John and EAN ALGAR discharging his duties as well as Janette Mitchell of the Halton Violence Prevention Council. Jean the substance. Clipsham of the Halton OrganizThe theme of leaving Halton better than Algar found it was a recurring ation for Pride and Education (HOPE) echoed these sentiments. one throughout the hour. "Chief Algar, you are a champion of This, said Sansar Singh Rai, of the Halton Gurdwara, was proven no better than by the human rights," she said. When it was time for Algar to speak, he "vital role" Algar played in ensuring toler

was clearly overwhelmed by emotion and said he was "humbled by your comments today." "It's been an emotional day. It's been a great day," said Algar, the first Halton chief to rise through the local ranks. (He joined the old Oakville Police Force in 1968.) "I should be standing up here thanking you." He then did thank everyone for their "tremendous support" of his efforts then addressed those officers in attendance. "It's been a wonderful time," said Algar. "I can't tell you how fast 38 years have gone. It's a career I have enjoyed immensely." Algar then said he plans to spend more time with his family and his garden and, after some thought, volunteer in some capacity in his community.