The Sarnia Police Service Board has undergone a couple of changes regarding its members.
Gerald Bernardo was welcomed as a new board member on February 26, after Sarnia City Council recently approved him as the citizen appointee.
Meanwhile, Paul Wiersma participated in his last meting as a board member, after serving a seven-year term, three of which were as board chair.
Recently elected Chair Kelly Ash presented Wiersma with a plaque, thanking him for his support over the past several years.
During his speech, Wiersma noted some highlights seen within the organization during his term, which included multiple new hires/promotions, the introduction of a volunteer auxiliary unit, two canine units, and a dedicated police vehicle for Aamjiwnaang First Nation.
Wiersma said he has enjoyed working alongside the board members but he will not miss the criticism received online.
"We can enter into a dialogue about what the priorities are for the police service but when people are just making comments on social media... yea, I won't miss that piece of it," he said.
As of February 26, Wiersma said there was no word on when a new provincial appointee will be chosen.
"Sometimes it takes some time to fill those positions. I know previously, the board was without a board member for almost a year I think," he said.
Wiersma's advice for said person is to take the time to get to know the organization.
"For example, you can do a drive along with an officer to understand what it's like to be on the frontline," he said. "Take time to talk to the senior staff, understand the governance role of a board member. As a board member, we don't direct the day-to-day operations and that's an important thing to understand as well."
Current members of the board include: Ash, Bernardo, Vice Chair and City Councillor Anne Marie Gillis, City/ County Councillor Chrissy McRoberts, and Board Secretary Joan Knight.
