After more than three decades of service with York Regional Police, Deputy Chief Brian Bigras will be retiring in September.
Bigras joined York Regional Police in 1990 as a recruit at just 19 years old.
“I joined York Regional Police as a 19-year-old recruit who wanted to make a positive impact on my community. Over the past three decades, I’ve had the opportunity to do just that – and so much more,” he said.
In his 32-year career, Bigras has worked on uniform patrol, criminal investigations, drugs and vice, hold up and training and education. He was commander in charge of organized crime and intelligent services. Then in 2019, he was appointed as deputy chief of investigations.
Throughout his career, he has been committed to combatting organized crime and has represented YRP on a number of special teams and units, the organization said. This has included the RCMP's Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, Greater Toronto Area Organized Crime Commanders Team, and a number of provincial teams.
“It has been an honour and a privilege to have worked alongside Brian. I admire his incredible passion for the profession of policing and to supporting our members and community. I am so thankful for his leadership, professionalism and friendship over these many years,” said Chief of Police Jim MacSween.
Bigras has also been dedicated to the community and strengthening YRP's partnerships with organizations like the Southlake Foundation, Addiction Services Central Ontario, the YRP Integrated Strategic Community Advisory Council and the B'nai Brith Special Advisory Council to the League for Human Rights. He also championed YRP's Holiday Heroes campaign.
“I am so grateful to have served with an organization that is truly dedicated to its community and its members. I’m proud to have supported York Regional Police as it continued to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our region. I couldn’t have selected a better organization to dedicate my policing career and I thank all those have inspired me along the way," Bigras said.
His retirement will be effective September 2022. In that time, YRP will begin the internal recruitment process to find a new deputy chief.
