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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, May 11, 2012 · 10 By Kathy Yanchus METROLAND WEST MEDIA GROUP Halton police chief riding into his sunset Gary Crowell was studying urban planning when a casual remark planted the seed that uprooted him from his Burlington hometown and landed him in rural Nova Scotia in an RCMP uniform. Some 42 years later, after a stellar career in policing, which included the last six years as chief of Halton Regional Police Service, Crowell is retiring. "I have never looked back one day in my career. I have always thought I made the right decision and never regretted it." As the 62-year-old chief reflects on his varied posts that led him from the patrol car through criminal investigation, tactical and rescue and command experience in everything from homicide to fraud, he admits it's been "wonderful." "I've been very, very fortunate throughout my almost 42 years." Certainly overseeing more than 600 police officers, a $116.4 million budget and the security of 500,000 residents in a region ranked the safest in Canada, Crowell has reached a pinnacle of success. He would agree, "but that's not really how I gauge success." Crowell is particularly proud of having the opportunity to lead a "progressive" police organization, one that truly believes in the concept of community policing, in inclusivity and in work- NIKKI WESLEY / OAKVILLE BEAVER / @halton_photog CLOSING A CHAPTER: Halton Regional Police Chief Gary Crowell is retiring after 40 years in policing. He said he never regrets a day of his career and is proud of the police service he has led. ing with the community to deal with issues of crime and public safety. "Community policing is not just about addressing crime, it's about problem solving; it's about engaging the community in helping to solve the problems," he said. Crowell left the RCMP after a little over a year to join the Mississauga police force (which would eventually be incorporated into the Peel Regional Police Service), its reputation as a progressive unit luring him back to Ontario. It was the genesis of community policing and Crowell wanted to be a part of the cutting edge evolution; even in smalltown eastern Canada there were signs of change. The way the young RCMP officer, a group of concerned Dartmouth store owners and the church minister dealt with problems of mischief and graffiti at a local strip plaza was to meet, discuss strategy and, subsequently, set up a youth drop-in centre. "Unheard of at the time; and I'm not making a claim for that but that sort of seemed to be how things were going." Reaching the rank of superintendent in Peel, Crowell joined the Halton service in 1999 as deputy chief. Having had the opportunity as chief to build on Halton's reputation as a progressive force and advance some of the programs established when he arrived, and to work with officers committed to those ideals, philosophies and principles was a great opportunity, he said. The relationship in Halton between officers, civilians, community members and partners is an outstanding one, said Crowell proudly. "I'm really pleased with our accomplishments over the last 13 years in the police service; we've done some really interesting things." Crowell said he has never been afraid to "beg borrow or steal best practices and give credit to those services," and a good example is Halton's domestic violence unit. See Chief page 12 ROOM FOR SEVEN. DESIRED BY EVEN MORE. THE ALL-NEW 7-PASSENGER INFINITI JX IS HERE. The Infiniti JX fits seven passengers comfortably without cramping anyone's style. Plus, it's the only luxury crossover with an ingenious second row that slides and tilts even with a child seat installed, so you can effortlessly access the third row. The Infiniti JX. Choose to be inspired. Learn more at infiniti.ca/JX or find yours at an Infiniti showroom today. ALL-NEW 2013 INFINITI JX Now in showrooms Inspiration begins from just $ 47, 030* Join Oakville Infiniti on infiniti.ca G Sedan G Coupe G Convertible FX35/50 EX35 M37/56 QX56