Numerous applications were sent in from across the country, but Saskatoon’s newly appointed Police Chief is already quite familiar with the city.

Saskatoon Police Service Deputy Chief Cameron McBride has been selected to fill the shoes of former Police Chief Troy Cooper, who announced his retirement in October.

Chair of the Police Commissioners Board Shirley Greyeyes says McBride wasn’t chosen because he is internal, but because he was the best person for the job.

“We wanted someone who is honest, who we could trust, who the community could believe in and act with to move forward. We wanted someone with some education, experience.”

McBride, who has 27 years of policing experience, says he plans to not only build trusting relationships in the community, but to also acknowledge his colleagues at the SPS, as well.

“We have civilian staff who are involved in many things that our sworn staff are involved in, and we need to provide equal support to them, as well. Looking in is very important to me, and making sure that our members are cared for.”

He adds that he believes strongly in cooperation, teamwork, and acknowledging colleagues for the work they do. He says he intends to mimic the trust-building ways of former Police Chief Cooper.

“It’s us together. It’s not the police and the community with a division in between. It’s us together. I think that’s one of the biggest things (I have to maintain). I can’t allow that momentum to fall away.”

McBride says he never aspired to be Chief, but now that he’s been chosen, the feeling is surreal. McBride’s first official day is May 16th.