Halton police chief's Florida trip upsets grieving officers
The president of the Halton Regional Police Association says it's an unfortunate distraction
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The president of the Halton Regional Police Association says it’s an unfortunate distraction.
Just two days after Det.-Sgt. Michael Tidball suffered a fatal medical episode on the job, controversy now swirls around revelations that Halton Regional Police Chief Steve Tanner has been in Florida since before Christmas.
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“It’s certainly put a spotlight on our organization, and subsequently on the Chief’s whereabouts,” HRPA President Clayton Gillis said Friday.
Gillis first learned of the trip in the wake of Tidball’s tragic death on Wednesday.
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He then called the Chief, who said the trip was for “personal reasons” and he had the blessing of Halton Regional Police Services Board Chair Rob Burton.
“(Chief Tanner) didn’t have a whole lot of concern about the fallout, or the optics and concern our members were expressing about the decision to travel to Florida,” Gillis said.
A statement from Burton, who is also the Mayor of Oakville, confirms he had no objection to the trip.
“Chief Tanner continues to have my full confidence,” the statement read. “The Chief leads our police service in an exemplary manner and will continue to do so.”
Burton’s statement made no mention of Det.-Sgt. Tidball’s passing.
Politicians and officials jetting off on vacation — against pandemic health advice to stay home and not travel — has sparked anger across Canada.
In a statement Friday afternoon, Chief Tanner apologized for his decision to travel and expressed regret at the distraction his trip has caused.
“What weighs on me the most is the fact that I am not there to support my 1,000 members as we grieve the loss of one of our own,” he wrote, extending an apology to every member of the service.
“My absence is a distraction from their healing and has taken the focus away from what is most important at this time.”
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Visitation for Det.-Sgt. Tidball will take place at a Milton funeral home on Monday and Tuesday, with a private funeral scheduled for Thursday.
While Tanner said he plans on returning to Canada this weekend, COVID-19 quarantine rules will mean Halton’s top cop will be unable to mourn with his members.
Gillis said reaction from service members ranges from disappointment to anger — particularly over Board Chair Burton’s decision to support the Chief’s trip.
“It’s a trust issue, and a leadership issue,” Gillis said. “If the members determine his reason for being (in Florida) is not justified, he’ll have a problem with confidence in his leadership for sure.”
bpassifiume@postmedia.com
On Twitter: @bryanpassifiume
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