ORILLIA, ON, April 23, 2014 /CNW/ - Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Chief Superintendent G.J. (Gary) Couture, formerly Regional Commander for the OPP East Region, has been promoted to the rank of Deputy Commissioner, Provincial Commander for Field Operations. Deputy Commissioner Couture is filling the vacancy created when former Provincial Commander J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes was promoted to Commissioner in March.
"A thorough competition process was undertaken which has led to this excellent choice. Gary Couture has demonstrated exceptional service throughout his career with the OPP and I am looking forward to working with him as a Provincial Commander, where I know he'll continue to serve the people of Ontario and the OPP well," said OPP Commissioner J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes.
Originally from Sherbrooke, Quebec, Deputy Commissioner Couture started his career with the OPP in 1985 at Perth Detachment. He has served in four OPP Regions in various capacities and roles, including as an investigator, Detachment Commander, Regional Director of Support and as the East Region Commander in Smith Falls since 2009.
As Provincial Commander, Deputy Commissioner Couture will assume responsibility and oversight for all OPP detachment and satellite locations, administered by five Regional Headquarters in London, Smiths Falls, Orillia, North Bay and Thunder Bay. OPP policing services are provided to over one million square kilometers of Ontario, and over 20,000 km of highways. Deputy Commissioner Couture is fluently bilingual, an advantage for a police service that works in both English and French while serving the people of Ontario.
In addition, the Command also includes the Aboriginal Policing Bureau. The primary mission of the OPP's Aboriginal Policing Bureau is to provide support to First Nations policing in Ontario through policing assistance and the building of mutually respectful partnerships with Aboriginal communities and First Nations police services.
"I am proud of this opportunity to continue to lead the men and women of the OPP who everyday take pride and commitment to the next level, while serving our communities across this province and keeping them safe. I am also humbled at the thought of being selected for this new challenge," said OPP Deputy Commissioner G.J. (Gary) Couture.
Note: Deputy Commissioner Couture is available for interviews on request.
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Image with caption: "OPP Chief Superintendent G.J. (Gary) Couture has been promoted to Deputy Commissioner and Provincial Commander for Field Operations. (CNW Group/Ontario Provincial Police)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140423_C4846_PHOTO_EN_39571.jpg
SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police
Contact: Sergeant Pierre Chamberland
Phone: 705-329-6878
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