Gratitude was the word of the day as former police chief Neil Dubord passed the torch to Chief Const. Harj Sidhu earlier this month.
The Delta Police Department hosted a change of command ceremony on March 7, marking the symbolic transfer of command from Dubord to Sidhu in front of a packed house of current and retired DPD officers, mayor and council, the Delta police board, and representatives from neighbouring police services.
Sidhu became chief constable of the Delta Police Department on Nov. 25, 2024, taking the reins from interim chief Guy Leeson, who was promoted to deputy chief effective March 2. Dubord retired on Aug. 1, 2024 after serving as chief constable since June of 2015.
Having spent his entire 30-plus years of service with the DPD, Sidhu’s promotion marks the department’s first internal appointment to chief in 38 years and makes him the first person of South Asian descent to hold that position.
“Today is not only his change of command, but we are witnessing a piece of history in the Delta Police Department,” Dubord said in his remarks at Ladner’s Harris Barn.
“Chief Sidhu is not about taking on a new title; he’s providing a powerful example for every young person who has ever wondered, ‘Could that be me somebody?’ And to those who are listening, let me say this clearly: yes, it can.”
Dubord praised his successor’s dedication to serving the community and lifelong commitment to policing.
“Chief Sidhu is not stepping into this role now, he’s been preparing for this role his entire life. He has led complex investigations, he has built relationships in the community, he’s earned the trust of his colleagues not with words, but with actions. Harj believes that no call is too small, that every concern deserves to be heard and that policing is first and foremost about people,” he said.
“The future of the Delta Police Department is bright with Chief Sidhu leading the way. With this community standing behind him, and with every dedicated officer and staff member who wears the badge with pride, Delta will continue to be a model of excellence in policing. This is just not a change in command; this is a new chapter with Chief Sidhu of the Delta Police story that is still being written, a story of service, a story of commitment, but most importantly a story of hope.”
In his speech, Dubord thanked the residents of Delta “with every ounce of gratitude I have” for being the department’s partners, allies and greatest source of strength.
“Policing is not about just enforcing the laws; it’s about trust, it’s about relationships, and it’s about standing together when times are tough. Time and time again, when we needed you, you answered that call,” he said. “In return, we showed up for you, because that’s what we do and that’s what this uniform means. It means service, it means commitment, and it means unwavering support for the people who count on us.”
He went on to thank the police board, mayor and council for their trust and unwavering support during his time as DPD’s chief and for ensuring the department always has the tools and resources it needs to serve this city, before directing his speech to DPD members past and present.
“You are the heartbeat of this city. The patrol officers, the investigators, the civilian staff, you are all the unsung heroes who keep this department running and, make no mistake, you are my heroes,” he said.
“I’ve seen you in the toughest moments; frontline officers who have faced danger, uncertainty, split-second decisions that most people could never understand. And yet, day after day, you show up because you believe in the badge, you believe in the mission and, most importantly, you believe in each other, investigators who work tirelessly behind the scenes, piecing together cases, bringing justice to victims and fighting for those who have no voice.”
Dubord thanked his former colleagues for standing by him through good times and bad.
“Through all of this, you trusted me. That trust means everything; I do not, and will not, ever take that trust for granted. Leading this department and this team has given me the greatest honour, and I’m eternally grateful,” he said, his voice wavering with emotion.
“As I step away from this role, I do so with a full heart. I’ve had the privilege of working alongside some of the finest officers in the country. I’ve had the joy of serving a community that has stood by us through all the challenges, and I’ve had the honour of seeing what is possible when we stand together.”
After signing his oath of office and speaking the promise aloud, Sidhu told those assembled he was humbled by the turnout and honoured to serve as chief constable of the Delta Police Department.
“When I was considering what to say today, one word came to mind: gratitude. So I want to take this moment to express my deep gratitude to those who have mentored and guided me, to the partners who walk alongside us, to my family who sit by me, and to the exceptional team I now have the privilege of leading,” he said.
Sidhu said that in his years in policing, he has seen that the DPD’s greatest asset is its people, the “true backbone of our success.”
“Every day, our team, both in uniform and behind the scenes, shows up. You protect, you problem solve, and you put the needs of this community before your own. And as your chief, my duty is to support you. My commitment is to listen, to understand and to ensure you have the resources, the training and the tools needed to do your job successfully.
“You will continue to build on what we do well, while always seeking ways to improve. We will continue to build a culture of innovation, excellence and professionalism, ensuring that our department remains adaptable to the evolving complexity of modern policing. We won’t always get it right and challenges will arise, but together we’ll overcome them. I trust in you and I appreciate your dedication and your commitment. I’m proud of the work that you do every day and I’m excited about what we’ll accomplish together in the years ahead.”
Sidhu noted that policing is evolving, and the challenges officers face today are not the same as those of the past or those to come in the future.
“That is why we must always be proactive, responsive and forward-thinking,” he said in laying out his vision of building a resilient, inclusive and innovative team dedicated to community safety and grounded in the DPD’s ‘no call too small’ philosophy.
“In the months ahead, we will begin developing our new strategic plan where all voices will be heard to ensure we remain adaptable, community focused and prepared for the future,” he said.
“As the chief, I am committed to strengthening partnerships, ensuring we continue to work with our community and partners to build trust and enhance safety; advancing innovation and training so our team has the best tools, knowledge and skills to serve; and prioritizing employee wellness and building a culture of care, because a resilient and well-supported team is essential to a safe and thriving community.”
“As I step into this role, I do so with deep humility and a profound sense of responsibility to honour our proud history, stand strongly in the present and embrace an even brighter future.”
