ONTARIO LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR, PREMIER, NEW SAFETY MINISTER WELCOME NEW OPP
COMMISSIONER AT CHANGE OF COMMAND CEREMONY

ORILLIA, ON, Sept. 1 /CNW/ - Hundreds gathered at the Denison Armoury in Toronto yesterday to witness a historical Change of Command ceremony that saw Commissioner (Retired) Julian Fantino turn over command of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) to newly-appointed OPP Commissioner Chris D. Lewis.  

The ceremony began with the two commissioners being marched in with the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, The Honourable David C. Onley, the Ontario Premier, The Honourable Dalton McGuinty and the new Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, The Honourable Jim Bradley.  The dignitaries were led in by a parade comprised of the Commissioner's Own Pipes and Drums, an honour guard composed of auxiliary and uniform members and the OPP Ceremonial Unit.

Dignitaries, family members, OPP uniform and civilian personnel, members of other police services, media, family and friends witnessed as Commissioner Fantino passed the Tipstaff to Commissioner Lewis.  The passing of the Tipstaff is an important tradition that has rich roots in policing and symbolizes the authority of the Office of the Commissioner in the OPP.   

After proudly accepting the Tipstaff, Commissioner Lewis expressed his heartfelt appreciation to his predecessor and supporters as he looked ahead to his command as the OPP's 13^th Commissioner.

QUOTES

"Today's change of command ceremony reminds us that the men and women of the OPP have protected the people of Ontario for over one hundred years. With the passing of the Tipstaff from Commissioner (Ret'd) Julian Fantino to Commissioner Chris Lewis, a tradition of strong leadership continues, and will carry the force into its second century of growth and renewal." - The Honourable David C. Onley, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

"With over 30 years of outstanding service to his credit, Commissioner Chris Lewis has seen — and affected — great changes within the OPP.  But all of us know one thing will never change, and that's our shared commitment to keeping our communities safe and strong." - The Hon. Dalton McGuinty, Premier of Ontario

"I am truly honoured to have been chosen as the successor to Julian Fantino and am grateful to him for his steadfast leadership these past 3 ½ years. Successful relationships are paramount to our goal of maintaining public safety.  The OPP will continue to work in partnership with other police agencies and stakeholders to keep our sights high on the ultimate goal of providing for safe communities and a secure Ontario". - OPP Commissioner Lewis. 

LEARN MORE

The following background information is available for download regarding:  -The OPP Tipstaff; - OPP Backgrounder; - Commissioner Lewis' biography; and to view a segment of the Change of Command Ceremony go to:
http://www.opp.ca/media/change_of_command/

For further information:

Contact:	Sgt. Pierre Chamberland, OPP Media Relations Section
Phone:	[phone]