Kentville’s new police chief thought to be 1st woman to assume the role in Nova Scotia

Kentville, N.S., has a new chief of police and it looks like the appointment will be a historic one — Julia Cecchetto is set to become the first female police chief in the city’s history and possibly the province’s as well.

Checchetto may be a familiar name to those who know the Halifax Regional Police where she has served for the past 27 years.

She’s set to assume the role as the head of the 16-person strong Kentville force on Oct. 2.

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Mark Phillips, Kentville’s chief administrative officer, says that they’re overjoyed to have Cecchetto joining the city’s team. The move will cap off a nearly three-month hiring process.

“We feel very confident with Julia’s background and her experience,” he said.

“We’ve enjoyed getting to know her through this experience and feel that her character and leadership is something we’re equally looking forward to when she arrives.”

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Phillips says that gender wasn’t a decision in hiring Checchetto but her dedication and leadership qualities were.

He said the new police chief would be the first woman to take on the role in the city’s history.

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Carolyn Nichols, the president of Atlantic Women in Law Enforcement and a Sergeant with Halifax Regional Police, says she was overjoyed to hear about Checchetto’s new role.

“It’s a great thing to see,” she said in a phone call on Wednesday. “Our organization is celebrating it’s 25th anniversary… this makes it even better.”

The Halifax police have tweeted out congratulations to their departing colleague.

Cecchetto also received a warm welcome from officers on social media as well as city officials.

“Kentville has a long tradition of community policing and we are proud to have officers with a real connection to residents and businesses,” said Craig Gerrard, chair of the Kentville Police Commission.

“We are honoured to bring such an experienced police officer into this role, and into the Kentville community.”