ORILLIA, ON, Nov. 26, 2013 /CNW/ - Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Chief Superintendent Brad Blair has been promoted to rank of Deputy Commissioner, Provincial Commander for Traffic Safety and Operational Support, replacing Deputy Commissioner Larry Beechey who will retire at the end of November.
"We undertook a thorough competition process to arrive at this decision and have made an excellent choice. Brad Blair has had a distinguished career with the OPP and I am looking forward to welcoming him as a Provincial Commander, where I know he'll continue to serve the people of Ontario and the OPP well," said OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis.
Originally from Essex, Ontario, and a graduate of the University of Windsor, Blair is currently the Commander of the OPP's Central Region, but will transition to his new role in the near future as one of four Provincial Commanders supporting Lewis.
A 27-year veteran of the OPP, Blair began his career in the far north at the Red Lake and Sioux Lookout Detachments and went on to hold a variety of command positions with increasing responsibility. In 2011 he was promoted to Commander of Central Region after serving for several years as Commander of the Aboriginal Policing Bureau.
As Provincial Commander, Blair will assume responsibility and oversight for all OPP traffic programs in the province, the Communications and Technology Support Bureau, the Security Bureau which oversees all corporate and dignitary protection and the Field Support Bureau which is charged with all major event planning.
His new command also includes important OPP specialized units and programs such as Emergency Response Teams, Tactics and Rescue Units, the Aviation Services program, the Auxiliary program and Offender Transport.
"My career with the OPP has continuously challenged me as a police officer and a leader. I am excited about the future and humbled by the responsibility," said Blair.
Note: Deputy Commissioner Blair is available for interviews on request.
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Image with caption: "OPP Chief Superintendent Brad Blair is being promoted to Deputy Commissioner and Provincial Commander for Traffic Safety and Operational Support. (CNW Group/Ontario Provincial Police)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20131126_C5087_PHOTO_EN_33864.jpg
SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police
Contact: Sergeant Pierre Chamberland
Phone: 705-329-6878
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