Emotions ran high at the swearing-in ceremony for newly appointed Chief of Police Kirk Earley.
Surrounded by friends, family, and colleagues, it's no surprise it was a full house for the swearing-in of the new chief.
"Everyone in this room, and some who couldn't make it, you've had some sort of effect on me professionally and personally," Earley addressed the crowd.
Earley, became emotional when thanking the most important people in the room, his family.
"It's almost impossible for me to put into words the profound effect you've had on me, but I'll give it a go. When you talk about people you admire, people you look up to, people you want to emulate it's you three," said Earley. "You are my heroes, fearless, strong, intelligent, caring, loving, and the only reason I'm here today,"
Earley started his career in Chatham in 1997 as a special constable and has worked through many jobs in the police services including community patrol, major crime, and the intelligence section. Most recently Earley served as deputy chief.
In addressing the community, Earley referenced the changing nature of the business.
"We will engage the community to understand the unique challenges we face while building positive relationships to form partnerships built on mutual respect and trust," Earley told the crowd.
"There is no better time to tell our story, to create our identity, and give our organization personality. As we embark on this journey together we will communicate through guidelines which will deliver important and timely information internally and externally. This will enhance and build trust, confidence and transparency," he added.
Earley will also instigate personal wellness within the police force, adding an in-house counsellor and member wellness champion.
"Member wellness is not a buzzword. It is a fundamental principle that underpins our ability to perform at our best. We must prioritize the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of our team, when we take care of ourselves we are far better equipped to take care of those around us," said Earley.
Earley concluded his speech with some expectations he has for himself every day, bringing it all back to something significant to him, family.
"Hold yourselves to a standard that your mom, your dad, your grandma, or grandpa would expect of you, and at the end of each day look in the mirror and be proud of what you did. And if you're not, and you will have those days, promise yourself you'll be better the next day and the day after that," he stated.
Someone looking forward to the coming days is the recently retired Chatham-Kent Police Chief Gary Conn, who presented Earley with his new badge alongside Earley's sister, OPP Superintendent Dana Earley.
Conn joked that while he might be leaving a role he held for nine years, he wouldn't be giving up the title of Chief, merely transitioning to "chief of the lawn mower and chief pool cleaner...at least for a few weeks anyway."
Jokes aside, the former police chief also got emotional thanking his family for everything they had to deal with during his tenure as chief, a job he was very passionate about.
"This day is filled with mixed emotions, gratitude, pride, a sense of accomplishment and a touch of sadness. As I bid farewell to a role that has been a significant part of my life," Conn told the crowd. "As I prepare to step into a new chapter, I am filled with immense gratitude for the experiences, challenges, and triumphs that have shaped my tenure."
Conn spent nearly 30 years in law enforcement and has been the Chatham-Kent Police Chief since 2015.
Conn might be leaving some big shoes to fill, but the former police chief is confident his successor will lead the Chatham-Kent police services into the next era.
"I have no doubt that under your leadership the Chatham-Kent police service will continue to thrive and evolve. Your dedication, integrity and vision for the future, will undoubtedly steer this organization towards even greater heights," said Conn.
"Always remember to focus on your people, for their health and wellbeing is paramount. Further, ensure that your people have the resources they need to succeed and finally serve them selflessly, for the essence of leadership ultimately comes down to creating conditions of trust within an organization," Conn advised Earley as he officially passed the torch.