First Black Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders announces to step down, says wants to work free for city
Toronto/IBNS: Toronto Police Chief Mark Saunders, who is the first Black to assume the position, has announced to step down from the Toronto Police Service (TPS) from Jul 31 "to do things for the city he wants to do free", media reports said.
He made known his decision to the members of TPS, followed by a news conference. He also said he wants to devote more time to family but added in a lighter vein that "I'm certainly going to work, because I don't think my wife will want me in the house."
Last summer TPS board had announced its decision to renew Saunders' appointment until April 30, 2021. It was only the second time in the last 40 years that a Toronto police chief was allowed to serve more than a single term.
Saunders, who is Toronto's first Black police chief, was appointed in April of 2015 and had worked in policing for over 37 years.
Saunders said he is looking forward to spending more time with his family and added he would continue to serve the city from outside the Service. He said that the decision to step down is not health-related.
In a statement issued Monday afternoon, Toronto Mayor John Tory said Saunders had told him last week he planned to retire.
"On behalf of all Toronto residents, I want to thank Chief Saunders for his exemplary service...He has been a dedicated and responsible chief of police...cares deeply about the people of the city, all of its neighbourhoods, and about the men and women who serve with him,"
said Tory.
Saunders thanked the TPS Board, John Tory for their support of the TPS Service, the media personnel for delivering important informative messages, and the members of the community.
"We have not always been perfect but have always tried to move towards excellence...My advice is to never stop, always listen and serve with compassion...Accountability and transparency are the fabric of public trust; public trust is the fabric that creates community safety...public trust is the forefront of every word and every deal," said Saunders in the news conference.
(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)
Image: Toronto Police Facebook
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