Media Advisory - Photo & Interview Opportunities: 14th Commissioner to be honoured in change of command ceremony

ORILLIA, ON, March 24, 2014 /CNW/ - On March 29, 2014, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Deputy Commissioner J.V.N. (Vince) Hawkes, currently the Provincial Commander for Field Operations, will officially take command as the 14^th Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.  As the new Commissioner, he will lead one of the largest deployed police services in North America.

In honour of his appointment as the new Commissioner, the OPP will conduct a Change of Command ceremony.

During the ceremony, which is rich with tradition, the OPP-Tipstaff, the symbolic mantle of OPP leadership, will be passed by (Retiring) Commissioner Chris Lewis to (Incoming) Commissioner Vince Hawkes.

Accredited media are invited to attend and report on this very special ceremony along with the dignitaries who will be in attendance including senior government officials and OPP executives.

The ceremony will include the OPP Ceremonial Unit, the Commissioner's Own Pipes and Drums, the OPP Chorus, and an honour guard comprised of current recruit class members.

Interviews and photo opportunities will be available with the Commissioner following the event.  A media pool feed will be available.

Date:	Monday, March 31, 2014
Time:	2:00 p.m.
Location:	Nottawasaga Inn Resort and Conference Centre 6015 Highway 89 Alliston, Ontario

SOURCE: Ontario Provincial Police

Sgt. Pierre Chamberland
Media Relations Coordinator 
[phone]