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www.insideHALTON.com · OAKVILLE BEAVER Friday, May 11, 2012 · 12 Chief is proud of police and the community Continued from page 10 "I am so proud that we were able to establish that unit because domestic violence has been a crime that has been hidden and unreported for years and not properly investigated and taken through the judicial system." The classic domestic violence model for policing in North America, said Crowell, is in San Diego, one that has been copied by the Waterloo Regional Police, where police moved into the Catholic Family Services building, which offered a variety of social services, for a unified response. "We have a variation of that (in Halton). We don't have the perfect model yet and it's something I believe will happen in Halton one day. There is an interest, an absolute interest in the community here, to try and do something like that in the future." Domestic violence is an issue close to the chief's heart, as a domestic assault was his first call as a police officer. He and his training officer were confronted with an inebriated shotgun-wielding man who had beaten his wife. "In the end, he didn't want anybody to take his children, that's why he was guarding the house, but I never forgot the deafening silence when you realized with all the commotion and noise going on, we didn't hear any children, no reaction and your mind goes to, `Are we too late, what's happened?' but the children were fine." When he was named the force's new police chief, Crowell was cited for his strong work ethic, his extensive policing knowledge and his leadership. He came bearing impressive credentials, including training at the FBI National Academy. Crowell is known as a strong supporter of women in policing and for reaching out to diverse communities. He is the recipient of the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery for his response to the 1979 Mississauga train derailment, the Police Exemplary Service Medal and the Canadian Police Medal of Merit. He was also the first recipient of the Ontario Women in Law Enforcement President's Award and was the recipient of a Gold Medal for Excellence by the Human Rights and Race Relations Centre. Crowell has witnessed a tremendous period of rapid growth and transformation in Halton, both from the perspective of police chief and Chief Gary Crowell long-time resident of Burlington. "Growing up here, Halton was almost like an island between Hamilton to the west and Toronto to the east. "We are a community that has not only seen growth, but diversity in growth, in the makeup of the demographics. "There's lots of dynamics going on in Halton right now. I think the one we pride ourselves on in dealing with as an organization and as a region, is how we've dealt with the diversity issue, being inclusive and in making extra efforts to deal with the commu- nity as a whole, said Crowell. In the future, Halton police will face more cases of identity theft crime, said Crowell. "We have seen in the past year or so an increase in the amount of crime as a result of identity theft, as a result of exploiting people over the Internet, issues of child exploitation and issues of child pornography. Those are very much a real concern." With Halton's reputation as the safest regional municipality in the country as reported by Macleans for four consecutive years, that's an outstanding achievement, he said. "I've always been quick to point out, policing does have a small part to play in that. What makes a difference in Halton is the community, the business partners, the community partners, cultural leaders, faith leaders, everyone wants to have a safe community and works with each other to make it that way. "People care about this municipality and want to work to make it work. What a thrill to be chief of an organization that works as part of this community. It's an honour to be the head of an organization like this." It's now time, said the chief, to step aside, let someone else take over to bring fresh eyes and ideas to the job. "And it's time for me to ride off into the sunset and enjoy the family side of my life in a fuller way," smiled Crowell. Crowell and his wife, Gail, have been married 40 years and have three grown sons and two grandchildren. The two have "no formal, out-ofthe gate plans," but are looking forward to spending more time with their grandchildren and pursuing their love of travel and theatre. Crowell will continue his running regimen to stay in shape and no doubt as he completes must-do household projects, he will do so listening to music -- an ever-present backdrop in his office -- everything from Mozart to Adele. And you can count on the chief immersing himself in volunteer initiatives within the community. If there is a nexus between urban planning and policing, the chief mused, it would be creating safe, functional communities. Although it wasn't at the drafting table of an urban planner, Crowell definitely played a pivotal role in Halton's ascent to the top. HOT TUB with the Sundance Clear Ray Cleaning System NO Bromine or Salt needed!! SALE NEW 680 PEYTON · 2 Pump System · New Clear Ray Sanitation System · LED Deluxe Lighting · Waterfall · Super Energy Efficient Model · 35 Hydrotherapy Jets · Free Delivery & Set-up 20 MODEL From $ *See store for details O.O or $64/M 4,995 G S STARTIN AC List Price $8,995 on sale for $6,995 or $92/mo. 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