Fredericton’s top cop to retire
Chief Martin Gaudet says his exodus from city police force will take effect end of August
The chief of the Fredericton Police Force said Friday he’ll wrap his leadership term at the end of the summer, announcing his retirement.
Chief Martin Gaudet, through statements issued on social media and the City of Fredericton’s website, announced he’ll retire from the role as of Aug. 29.
“As I step away from this role, I want to express my gratitude,” he wrote.
“It has been a privilege to work alongside incredible individuals during my 30 years of policing. Together, we have served and protected our community with professionalism, integrity, respect, compassion and unwavering accountability.”
Gaudet touted new initiatives and advancements that were made both during his tenure as chief and as deputy chief under his predecessors, Leanne Fitch and Roger Brown.
He pointed to the implementation of new technology to aid in policing efforts, such as body-worn cameras and public-safety cameras around the city, adding that the former allowed for better transparency and accountability on the part of the police force.
The chief also pointed to the return of school resource officer positions in Fredericton’s two high schools earlier this year and the addition of 10 more policing positions on the force during his time in leadership.
Another initiative that launched under Gaudet’s tenure was the launch earlier this year of the Atlantic Police Academy (APA) program extension in Fredericton, which will see 12 cadets trained in the capital, beginning this fall.
“The establishment of the APA in Fredericton has been a significant milestone, providing specialized training and professional development opportunities for people who have roots here, and will see 12 new cadets join our ranks upon completion,” he wrote in his statement.
Gaudet also touted community connections with the police force, notably that with Sitansisk (St. Mary’s) First Nation on the city’s north side.
“Our relationship with Sitansisk remains strong, and we are committed to its continued growth,” he wrote.
“Through compassionate and effective policing, we work co-operatively with the Chief (Allan Polchies Jr.) and [band] council to ensure the well-being and safety of the community and look forward to further strengthening our partnership.”
Polchies didn’t respond to a request for comment Friday.
The retirement announcement doesn’t indicate who will succeed Gaudet as interim chief or what the city’s plan is for hiring a permanent replacement.
The Fredericton Independent contacted city hall Friday for comment on those plans, but no response was forthcoming.
Don MacPherson can be reached at ftonindependent@gmail.com.