OPP taps Varga as `major critical incident commander’
A search is underway for a new commander of the Norfolk OPP.
Acting chief Shawn Johnson told Norfolk’s Police Services Board Wednesday that Insp. Joe Varga will not be returning to the Norfolk detachment.
Johnson said the OPP recently appointed Varga as a “major critical incident commander,” creating a vacancy at the top at headquarters on the Queensway West in Simcoe.
OPP West Region seconded Varga for a special assignment nearly two years ago. His most recent replacement – Acting Insp. Rob Scott – retired earlier this year. Johnson is his temporary replacement.
Johnson said OPP headquarters in Orillia convened this week an “inspector talent pool.” Senior members of the force from across Ontario are in Orillia taking exams and participating in interviews. Following this, the provincial force will draw up a list of qualified leaders eligible for appointment at the detachment level.
“It’s very specific,” Johnson said. “It’s very knowledge, skills and ability-based, involving demonstrated behaviors and that sort of thing.”
The Norfolk detachment isn’t the only one in West Region without a full-time commander. Johnson said there are vacancies at the top in Perth County and Gray County as well.
Once the OPP draws up a short list, Johnson said members of the Norfolk PSB will be invited to vet candidates and suggest officers that meet the county’s needs. The interim chief added no deadline has been set to appoint Varga’s replacement.
“It will be done as promptly as possible,” Johnson said. “We want to make sure the process is followed and that the candidates are well-vetted and well-positioned to assume a role. I am here for the duration of this process.”
Johnson is a 33-year member of the OPP. His career has included postings in the Greater Toronto Area, Lambton County, Huron County, Essex County, the Bruce Peninsula, West Region headquarters in London, and provincial headquarters in Orillia.
Johnson has specialized in traffic and marine patrols and has participated in major police actions at Ipperwash Provincial Park, in Caledonia in connection with ongoing Indigenous land claim disputes, and in the aftermath of the Goderich tornado.
Johnson has also worked Friday the 13th motorcycle rallies in Port Dover and the annual Pottahawk boat event in Long Point Bay south of Turkey Point.
“Norfolk is a strong leader within the OPP and within West Region,” Johnson said. “The leadership has been second to none. The morale in this detachment is within the top percentile within West Region.”
Johnson said the OPP has tapped Varga – a native of Garnet north of Jarvis – to play a critical role. He said the OPP has “five or six” major critical incident commanders province-wide, adding Varga played key roles in the recent enforcement effort regarding the truckers’ convoy in Ottawa and the removal of vehicles blockading the Ambassador Bridge between Detroit and Windsor.
Johnson said this continues to be a time of transition and renewal at the Norfolk OPP. He said Staff Sgt. John Fashing will retire at the end of the month while Staff Sgt. Kristina Klingbeil remains on short-term leave. Serving as acting staff sergeants in Norfolk at the moment are Rob Page and Andy Fox.