The Oak Bay Police Board has appointed Sgt. Julie Chanin as the force’s new deputy police chief.
It marks the first time a woman has been made a deputy chief constable in the region.
Chanin, who has been with Oak Bay Police since 2011, takes over from Mark Fisher, who will replace Chief Ray Bernoties as chief when he retires this year.
“It’s such an honour and privilege to take on this role but still get to work with this amazing team in this incredible community,” said Chanin, the first internal candidate to rise to a leadership position in Oak Bay in more than 10 years.
Both Fisher and Bernoties applauded the decision.
Fisher said Chanin’s dedication to the community and the department has been “remarkable” and called her “the type of progressive and engaged leader that will continue to move our department forward.”
Oak Bay Mayor Kevin Murdoch, who is chair of the police board, said he is pleased to have Chanin in the position.
“When you look at the values of the Oak Bay Police Department — service, accountability, fairness, and empathy — it’s hard to think of anyone who better exemplifies those values than Sgt. Chanin.”
Chanin, a 22-year police veteran, joined Oak Bay police in 2011. She previously worked with West Shore RCMP.
