New Commander, Chief Superintendent Ken Miller officially accepts new post.
New Commander, Chief Superintendent Ken Miller officially accepts new post.The North East Region OPP had a change of command today, with a ceremony which saw the new Commander, Chief Superintendent Ken Miller, officially take over the reins from the now retired Chief Superintendent Al Dawson. Miller took on the role earlier this month at North East Region Headquarters in North Bay.
During the change of command a very special presentation took place, the handing down of the North East Regional Commander’s Staff. The staff was carved by Marty Restoule, an Elder of the Dokis First Nation. Al Dawson introduced the idea for the commemorative staff as he had developed strong ties to the Aboriginal communities during his tour of duty with both the North East and North West Regions. The Staff is carved from a maple branch that carries special significance for both the former Ontario Provincial Police Regional Commander and Dokis.
Dokis said during the presentation that he had originally carved a bear, which is the native representation for a peacekeeper, but said it didn’t fit the circumstances and that the eagle would keep everyone on the right path.
‘The handle of the North East Regional Commander’s Staff is decorated with an eagle head carving. To the Ojibway people, the eagle is an important symbol. The eagle flies highest of all living beings and is a messenger to the Creator. The eagle is connected to both the spirit world and the physical world and represents the people who walked the path before. Qualities such as farsightedness, strength, honesty, integrity and leadership are attributed to the eagle.’
The new Commander, Chief Superintendent Ken Miller was joined by friends and family, including North Bay Police Chief Paul Cook and members of Provincial Command and Regional Headquarters staff.
Miller's Bio
