Jason Stonechild speaks at an August event in Prince Albert. (Alison Sandstrom/paNOW Staff)

By Nigel Maxwell

Retired from the service

Deputy Police Chief Jason Stonechild retires after 27 years of service

Dec 9, 2020 | 5:54 PM

After 27 years of dedicated service to the Prince Albert Police Service, Deputy Chief Jason Stonechild is now ready to start a new chapter.

Stonechild, who grew up in Prince Albert, was promoted to Deputy Chief in 2018. At this time, he declined to discuss with paNOW what his future plans involved but explained he has been blessed in his career thus far and has interests beyond policing in Prince Albert.

“I do have something in mind that I’m going to be working towards one way or the other and it’s something that excites me quite deeply,” he said.

Stonechild stands with representatives from PAGC and the city at a special sod turning ceremony in October, marking the start for a special monument honouring missing and murdered indigenous women and girls. (File photo/ paNOW Staff)

Stonechild was formally hired by the police service in Sept. 1993. He said one of the biggest misconceptions people have about police work is that it’s only about making arrests.

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“I tell you that there’s a whole other side to policing that is amazing and a beautiful experience and that’s working with the community to try and address the root cause of issues and community wellness,” he said.

Despite his retirement from the police service, Stonechild assured paNOW he has no plans to leave the city and promises to remain in contact with the numerous community groups he has been involved with over the years.

“I was always inspired by so many people in our community who really care and it’s consistently the same people, the same groups and they really put an effort and heart into making our policing better,” he said.

In a statement issued by the police service, Chief Jon Bergen acknowledged Stonechild will be missed.

Jason has over many years established himself as an important and well-regarded professional presence throughout our community”, Bergen said, also a lifetime resident of Prince Albert. “As a police officer, he has been a recognizable role model for our young people, and importantly for our Indigenous youth. He exemplifies the Service’s core values and the rewards of hard work, strong personal relationship and higher education.”

Prince Albert Deputy Police Chief Jason Stonechild holds an Eagle Feather gifted to him by the P.A. Grand Council’s Women’s Commission. (Nigel Maxwell/paNOW Staff)

The Chair of the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners, Sheryl Kimbley, grew up with Stonechild and commends him for his contribution to the successes and advances achieved by the Prince Albert Police Service in recent years.

“Our Service has demonstrated strong leadership in Saskatchewan policing, and as a Board we are proud of the successes and advances achieved in recent years, our development of community policing, innovations in operations, and diversity recruitment, engagement and mentorship. Jason has made a meaningful contribution to these successes,” she said.

Those contributions were recognized in October, 2019, when Stonechild received an Eagle Feather, gifted to him by the Prince Albert Grand Council’s Women’s Commission for his continuing service, leadership, and community spirit. His commitment to addressing issues related to missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls was also applauded.

Mayor Greg Dionne, a member of the Board of Police Commissioners, has also been a supporter and admirer of Stonechild’s career.

“He has made a lasting impact in our City for which we offer our deepest thanks. He will undoubtedly make an impact in what he now takes on”, said Dionne. “One thing we know, Jason won’t be low key or idle.”

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panews@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @princealbertnow