By Charlene Tebbutt

Bergen sworn in as police chief in official ceremony

Dec 10, 2018 | 4:10 PM

Prince Albert’s newest chief of police was formally sworn in Monday during a special ceremony at City Hall.

Chief Jonathan Bergen officially takes over the reins at the Prince Albert Police Service, following a five-month stint as acting chief. Bergen, a 20-year member of the police service, becomes the 16th chief of police in the history of the police force.  

Members of the Prince Albert Police Service watched from the second floor of City Hall as Bergen was sworn in Monday. The ceremony was attended by members of the Prince Albert Police Service, elected officials and representatives with various other enforcement agencies and community groups.

“It was quite a powerful feeling to know that they got my back,” Bergen said. “To stand out front in a leadership role is a place where I’ll stand at times, but there’ll be many times when I’m leading from behind too, and to see that group above looking down, it was a pretty special feeling.”

Monday’s ceremony was one of several events this month for the local police force. Following the announcement of Bergen’s appointment as police chief, the new board of police commissioners was also named last week. Bergen is expected to announce his pick for deputy chief next week.

Lighting it up

P.A.'s Zablocki leads Regina to victory on Day 4 at Esso Cup

16h ago

WORLD SOFTBALL

Group stages officially set for Men's Softball World Cup in P.A.

23h ago

Safety first

Safety concerns and tips surrounding discarded needles in P.A.

Apr 23, 2024

In his remarks Monday at City Hall, Bergen spoke of new leadership within the police force and said he will continue to strive toward continued growth and learning among members. He said there was some uncertainty over the past year since the resignation of former Chief Troy Cooper in January and the lengthy wait for a new chief.

“As we re-form our new team, and as we rebuild and look at what’s right for this management team and this police service, I think we’re going to enhance morale and I think we’re going to get stronger,” Bergen added. “I think we’re looking ahead at the future, not the past.”

Elder Priscilla Joseph spoke at the event, and urged the community to support the police service, saying everyone wants a healthy community.

“From this day forth, let’s not look back but move forward with dignity,” she said.

Charlene.tebbutt@jbpg.ca

On Twitter: @CharleneTebbutt