It was a fanfare-filled event that began with the new Durham area’s new police chief being bagpiped from across the Greater Toronto area to a house full of his new associates, dignitaries and police officers.
Nearly 300 people witnessed the swearing-in of Peter Moreira, the 9th Chief of Police of the Durham County Police.
“It’s a little surreal,” Moreira said. “It’s such an honor to lead so many dedicated men and women out there every day.”
After swearing the justice of peace to the Bible and inheriting the sword according to tradition, the change of command was completed. Moreira served with the Toronto Police Department and has worn this badge for over 30 years.
“My goal here is to build on the hard work done by Chief Rollauer and his team,” said Moreira.
“I hope to continue it and bring fresh perspectives to move the service forward.”
In his address to new colleagues, Moreira promised to continue building trust with the community, working on partnerships and growing the organization.
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“My number one priority is to focus on one simple and important word: trust,” he said.
“Our community needs to have confidence in our police services. I am confident in something.”
This is one of the many highlights that attracted the Board to Moreira. Durham Police Service Commission Chairman Sean Collier said their goal was to hire someone to help transform the police service.
“We were looking for a little change agent,” Collier said.
“Someone will come, identify, make changes and take Durham Local Police to the next level. We are so impressed with Chief Moreira and are delighted to have him on board.”
Current Toronto Police Chief Myron Demkew, who was also in attendance, says it’s a loss for them. But he believes Moreira brings something unique to Durham.
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“Peter was a very strong relationship builder in the Toronto community, and he worked hard to ensure that the community’s perspective informed the city’s police,” said Demkiw. .
“He served Toronto in an exemplary manner, was respectful to his members and, very importantly, respected by the communities he served.”
Resigning Todd Lollauer was emotional in his speech to colleagues. The 30-plus year veteran assumed an interim role in 2020 when former chief Paul his Martin retired. Rollauer says it was a feather in his hat after a long and rewarding career.
“I am so grateful to have fulfilled a childhood dream and have been honored to have worn the Durham County Police crest for over 35 years.
“For the past two years, it has been a privilege to sit in my office as Chief of Police and watch the incredible men’s work that men and women do every day.
Chief Moreira says his first job will be getting used to the new reins and starting building partnerships across the community in taking on the best jobs.
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