Deputy Chief Bigras Announces Retirement

York Region - After 32 years of dedicated service to York Regional Police and the community, Deputy Chief Brian Bigras has announced his retirement, effective September 2022.

“Over the course of his exemplary career, Deputy Chief Bigras has served the residents of York Region with commitment and professionalism. On behalf of the Police Services Board, I extend our gratitude for his numerous contributions to York Regional Police and the community, especially over the past three years as a member of the Executive Command Team,” said Board Chair Maurizio Bevilacqua.

Deputy Chief Bigras joined York Regional Police in 1990 and his assignments have included Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Drugs and Vice, Hold Up and Training and Education. He served as commander in charge of Organized Crime and Intelligence Services, prior to his appointment as Deputy Chief of Investigations in 2019.

Well known for his ongoing commitment to combatting organized crime, Deputy Chief Bigras has represented YRP on the Greater Toronto Area Integrated National Security Enforcement Team, the RCMP-led Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit, the Provincial Anti-Terrorism Section, the Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, the Greater Toronto Area Organized Crime Commanders Team, CACP Organized Crime Committee, CACP Counter-terrorism and National Security Committee and the Canadian Integrated Response to Organized Crime Committee.

He has worked to strengthen community partnerships, working closely with numerous community organizations, including the Southlake Foundation, Addiction Services Central Ontario, the YRP Integrated Strategic Community Advisory Council and the B'nai Brith Special Advisory Council to the League for Human Rights. Deputy Chief Bigras has also championed the Holiday Heroes campaign, which has raised millions of dollars for members of the community in need.

“It has been an honour and a privilege to have worked alongside Brian. I admire his incredible passion for the profession of policing and to supporting our members and community. I am so thankful for his leadership, professionalism and friendship over these many years,” said Chief of Police Jim MacSween.

Deputy Chief Bigras is the recipient of the Governor General’s Officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces, the Exemplary Service 20-year Medal and 30-year Bar. He holds a Masters of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University and is a graduate of the Harvard University, Kennedy School of Government Cyber Security Executive Education Program and the Police Leadership Program at Rotman School of Business, University of Toronto, the Global Studies Program provided by the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Security Studies Program delivered by the Canadian Armed Forces. 

 “I joined York Regional Police as a 19-year-old recruit who wanted to make a positive impact on my community. Over the past three decades, I’ve had the opportunity to do just that – and so much more,” said Deputy Chief Brian Bigras.

“I am so grateful to have served with an organization that is truly dedicated to its community and its members. I’m proud to have supported York Regional Police as it continued to grow and evolve to meet the needs of our region. I couldn’t have selected a better organization to dedicate my policing career and I thank all those have inspired me along the way.”

In the coming weeks, the Board will begin the process of recruiting an internal candidate for the position of Deputy Chief.

The Board wishes Deputy Chief Bigras all the best on his upcoming retirement and thanks him for his three decades of community service.

The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board is a seven-member civilian Board that oversees the York Regional Police and is comprised of one member as Head of Municipal Council, three members are appointed by resolution of Regional Council and three by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.

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