Sarnia police extra new deputy chief

Sarnia native Michael Van Sickle has been named deputy chief by the Sarnia Police Service Board.

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Van Sickle, previously an inspector with Sarnia police, had been serving as acting deputy chief since Julie Craddock left the post in August for a job with the Anishinabek Police Service.

“Insp. Van Sickle has shown himself to be very capable in leading through the current period of police service modernization,” board chairperson Paul Wiersma said in a news release. “Well respected within the police service, Insp. Van Sickle has forged positive relationships that will support the continued implementation of the strategic plan. “

As an inspector, Van Sickle commanded the city police service’s operations division, overseeing the patrol branch, communications and records.

During nearly two decades with the police service, he also served in criminal investigations, the emergency response team and its training branch.

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A graduate of St. Patrick’s secondary school and Lambton College in Sarnia, he has a degree from Athabasca University and is a graduate of the police leadership program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman school of management.

“As a lifelong resident of Sarnia and having spent the entirety of my policing career with the Sarnia Police Service, I am truly honored,” Van Sickle said in the release.

The police service said Van Sickle, one of two deputy chiefs, will maintain his command of its operations and community support division.

“The safety of our city is of paramount importance to me and our organization,” Van Sickle said. “I have chosen to spend my career here and raise my family here because this is an incredible community.”

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Van Sickle is also active in the community, having served with the Sarnia Minor Hockey Association for more than a decade and as a volunteer with the Camlachie Athletic Association.

Police Chief Derek Davis said in the release he’s pleased with Van Sickle’s appointment.

“He has been an exemplary senior leader in our organization and evidence of the emerging leaders within our organization,” Davis said. “I look forward to working with him in this new role as we continue our modernization process within the SPS (Sarnia Police Service) in order to meet the ever-evolving needs of our community.”

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