NEWS RELEASE
YORK REGIONAL POLICE SERVICES BOARD
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After almost 35 years of dedicated service with York Regional Police and to the residents of York Region, Deputy Chief André Crawford has announced his retirement effective Nov. 6, 2020.
“Deputy Chief Crawford has served with the utmost integrity, commitment and professionalism in his role as Deputy Chief over the last seven years and throughout his career. He is a very well-respected police leader, and the police services board is very appreciative of Deputy Crawford’s important contributions to this Service and to the many communities in this Region,” stated board chair Virginia Hackson.
Deputy Chief Crawford commenced employment with York Regional Police in 1986. During his nearly 35-year career with York Regional Police, his assignments have included uniform patrol duties in #2 District and #5 District, criminal investigations, intelligence, sexual assault, crimes against children, homicide/missing persons, training and education, and community services, where Deputy Crawford was responsible for building partnerships and engaging citizens through innovative outreach programs, crime prevention initiatives and volunteer opportunities.
Deputy Chief Crawford is the recipient of the Police Exemplary Service 20-year Medal and 30-year Bar. He has also been distinguished with a Chief of Police Award for investigative excellence, a gold medal from the Human Rights and Race Relations Centre, and the BBPA Harry Jerome Social Engagement Award. He was recently awarded the Order of Merit of the Police Forces from the Governor General of Canada.
“Despite the current climate surrounding the profession of policing, I know in my heart that I made the right choice all those years ago to become a police officer. I am extremely grateful for the chance to have enjoyed such a fantastic career, particularly with an outstanding service where it has been a profound honour to work alongside so many dedicated people and to be able to have engaged with our diverse communities in York Region. I thank them all for their support and friendship. I am especially proud that I am the first Black officer promoted as Deputy Chief into an executive leadership role with no precedent by gender or diversity. I look forward to that legacy being surpassed. I fondly look back over the past 34 years and truly do feel blessed that I was a part of the York Regional Police family,” stated Deputy Chief Crawford.
The Board wishes Deputy Crawford the very best on his upcoming retirement.
The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board is the civilian board which governs and oversees the York Regional Police. Four members of the board are appointed by Regional Council and three by the Province of Ontario. One of the responsibilities of the board is to recruit and appoint the chief of police and the deputy chief of police.
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