Outgoing Lethbridge Police Chief Rob Davis shows off the new LPS badge he received as a present

By Lara Fominoff

Lethbridge Police Chief Rob Davis says goodbye

Sep 12, 2019 | 8:37 PM

LETHBRIDGE, AB – He didn’t want a lot of pomp and ceremony, but Lethbridge Police Chief Rob Davis got it anyway on his last day of service for the city Thursday (Sept.12). There were testimonials on just how much he accomplished since he came to the city in 2015, many “thanks” from colleagues, and even some presents he didn’t expect – like a newly designed LPS badge.

Outside of LPS Headquarters, Davis saluted the LPS flag, lowered it, and was presented with it at the conclusion of his speech a short time later.

Inside, Sgt. Mike Williamson paid tribute to the chief, describing his many accomplishments over the last few years. They included securing new vehicles for the department, authorizing less than full time hours for mothers who wanted to spend more time with their kids, and parental leave for fathers. He allowed officers to work out while on duty in the name of helping them keep fit or become more fit, he introduced the “own your zone” initiative, “Smart Squad” technology for officers, and helped create “The Watch” and Community Peace Officers programs.

Davis said he had mixed emotions leaving the city and he loved working in Lethbridge. But it was time for he and his family to go back to Ontario for another opportunity.

“It was an opportunity to get back to the area I grew up in, and I still have family back there. Looking forward to the new challenges, but definitely overwhelming. Especially the turnout.”

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He feels he’s leaving the police service with the tools needed to succeed in the future.

“That business plan is in place. We’ve revamped our mission, vision and values… so all the pieces are there. The playbook’s been written, we’ve run a few plays and now it’s just a matter of the team getting, you know, across the goal line.”

Over the last few years several things have stood out to him, including the willingness of the community to be a part of the dialogue and solutions for challenges that affect the city.

“Operationally, the speed with which we saw the transition from alcohol to fentanyl to then the counterfeit fentanyl to now meth. That was just break-neck speed and so I learned a lot of lessons there that I hope to carry back.”

He has some advice as well for whomever the new police chief may be.

“They have to stay the course. You’re seeing these tactics being used across Canada to try and derail chiefs and derail the missions. They’re tactics, accept them for what they are. Like I said we’re into year one of a four-year business plan. We’re into a new mission, vision and values. So, whoever the new chief is, just stay the course and keep modernizing the police force. Keep engaging the community and then embracing the community when it wants to help.”

Lethbridge Police Commission Chair Peter Deys says he’s disappointed to see Davis leave, however the commission also recognizes the opportunity for him to become the new police chief in Brantford, Ontario.

He says more information will be released on the process for selecting an interim police chief and a permanent one as well. That announcement will take place on Friday, Sept. 13 at City Hall at 2 p.m.