A change of command took place at city hall on Friday afternoon as Edmonton’s new police chief officially took over the ranks.
Dale McFee, 53, was sworn in as the city’s 23rd chief of police.
“I have spent the last few months getting to know many of the EPS members both civilian and sworn, and I am extremely humbled, honoured and excited to be given an opportunity to lead this organization,” McFee said in a media release Friday.
McFee takes over the position from interim chief Kevin Brezinski, who held the role after former chief Rod Knecht’s contract ended in October. Knecht served as Edmonton’s police chief for seven years.
McFee comes to Edmonton after holding the chief of police position in Prince Albert, Sask., for nine years. During that time, he garnered high praise for his community-based approach to policing.
McFee spent six years as the deputy minister of Corrections and Policing in Saskatchewan. He also served as president and past president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police from 2011 to 2014.
Over the past few months, McFee said he’s had the chance to meet with many community leaders and stakeholders throughout Edmonton.
“I’m looking forward to creating meaningful partnerships over the coming months and years, with the goal of collaboratively making Edmonton a safer city for all.”
McFee signed a five-year contract, which officially began Friday.
The swearing-in ceremony was open to the public. Mayor Don Iveson, Justice Minister Kathleen Ganley and members of the Edmonton Police Commission were on hand for the event.
The ceremony also included a prayer from Indigenous Elder Betty Letendre, a presentation by Tribal Chief Mark Arcand and a drum circle performed by the Ben Calfe Robe School Drummers.
Watch below: In December, incoming Edmonton police chief Dale McFee laid out his goals for the new role, saying face-to-face conversations are the best way to build relationships with community groups.