Colleagues reflect on Chief Beazley’s retirement
Posted Apr 17, 2012 01:25:01 PM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
They’re wishing him well, but sad to see him go.
Halifax Regional Police Chief Frank Beazley has announced he’ll retire before the year is out.
Beazley made the announcement on Monday, saying 42 years on the police force – nine of them as chief – have taken a toll on his family and personal life, and he’s ready to take a step back.
A nationwide search is underway to find his replacement, but HRP Cst. Brian Palmeter says there’s really no “replacing” the seasoned veteran.
“As an organization, we’re losing a lot of experience,” he said. “That’s 42 years of a variety of police experience that you just can’t find overnight.”
Mayor Peter Kelly says Beazley has helped make Halifax a better, and safer, place to live – and he will be missed.
“He was certainly a people person and brought a lot of diversity and openness to the police department, ” “He was very instrumental in the mayor’s roundtable discussions and helping move those recommendations forward.”
Palmeter says it was Beazley’s intense commitment and devotion to his hometown that made him a succesful leader.
“He loves Halifax. He’s committed to not only the citizens, but the force and he truly wants to make the city as good a place as possible. And he truly believes that Halifax is a good place.”
Kelly, who will also step down as mayor this year, says Beazley should be satisfied with his accomplishments as chief.
“Eventually we all have to go,” he said. “He can go with his head held high, knowing he has done us proud. He leaves us in a good position to transcend into the next chief.”
Palmeter – who’s worked with Beazley for more than 13 years – says he has mixed emotions over the chief’s departure.
“I’m kind of sad, because I’ve thoroughly enjoyed and learned a lot working for him,” he said. “At the same time, there’s not a lot of people who can make it to 42 years and go out on their own terms and feel happy about it. So I’m very happy for him.”
Beazley’s last day with the force will be Sept. 30.
