Kirk Robertson has been sworn in as the new chief of the Kawartha Lakes Police Service, officially taking over the reins from former chief Mark Mitchell, who has retired after a 38-year career in law enforcement including six years as chief.
The police service and the City of Kawartha Lakes Police Services Board hosted a change of command and swearing-in ceremony at Victoria Park Armoury in Lindsay on Friday (August 9).
In April, the police services board announced that Robertson — a Lindsay native who has been a member of the Kawartha Lakes Police Service for 22 years and has a total of 27 years of policing service — had been selected as the next chief of police after a nationwide search.
Robertson served in uniform patrol, criminal investigations, and the institutional investigation unit, and was promoted to the rank of inspector in 2019. He began in his new role as chief on May 18.
Friday’s event was also an opportunity to recognize former chief Mark Mitchell, who began his law enforcement career in Pickering before joining the Lindsay police service in 1990. He was named chief in 2018 after serving 10 years as an inspector with the service.
“We are gathered together today to witness a change in command that is filled with excitement and anticipation as well as a touch of sadness,” said Kawartha Lakes mayor Doug Elmslie at Friday’s event.
“Today we send our heartfelt thanks to Chief Mark Mitchell. He has served our city well, with courage, integrity, and a sincere devotion to our residents’ safety and well-being. Our communities have benefited greatly from his support and leadership and while we will miss his steady presence, we wish him well in his retirement.”
Elmslie also welcomed the new chief, who he said “is assuming a role that is both challenging and rewarding.”
“It is an honour to see him take the helm and carry on the duties so well-attended to by Chief Mitchell,” Elmslie said. “I have every confidence that Kirk will succeed and continue to make our police services and the city proud.”
