Deputy Chief Kevin Thaler Announces his Retirement from the Waterloo Regional Police Service
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Waterloo Region, Ontario – Karen Redman, Chair of the Waterloo Regional Police Services Board, announced today that Deputy Chief Kevin Thaler will retire from the Waterloo Regional Police Service after 32 years of dedicated service.
“On behalf of all members of the Police Services Board, I want to thank you for your dedication and commitment to this community,” said Chair Redman. “Throughout your years of Service, you have proven to be a true leader with a passion for policing and an invaluable member of the Waterloo Regional Police Service. We wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”
Deputy Thaler, who will officially retire March 31, 2020, began his policing career as a cadet with the WRPS in 1988. He served in several different positions, including Frontline Patrol, Communications, Homicide, and Professional Standards, before rising to the rank of Inspector in 2011. He became Executive Officer to the Chief of Police in 2012 and Neighbourhood Policing Superintendent in 2014. He was named Deputy Chief of Police in 2015.
“This has been an incredibly rewarding career,” said Deputy Thaler. “It has been one adventure after another, surrounded by remarkably dedicated people who always found a way to accomplish the mission. It has been a privilege to not only serve this great community, but to do it within an incredible organization that has offered me many rewarding experiences and friendships.”
“While it wasn’t an easy decision to make,” Deputy Thaler said, “it was the right decision.
“The timing is right. I remain confident that under the leadership and guidance of Chair Redman and Chief Larkin, WRPS will remain a leader when it comes to policing in Ontario and across Canada. I have no doubt that their ongoing work will allow this Service to meet the changing demands of our community, while building a strong, modernized WRPS.”
Throughout his policing career, Deputy Thaler represented Waterloo Regional Police Service at many national and provincial organizations, serving as a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police. He has also volunteered his time to many local community groups, including House of Friendship, Out of the Cold, Ray of Hope, and the Optimist Club of Kitchener-Waterloo. He was also able to complete his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology degree from Wilfrid Laurier University.
In 2018, Deputy Thaler received the Governor General’s Exemplary 30-year-Service Medal in recognition of his loyal and meritorious service to law enforcement in Canada.
“It has been a pleasure to work with Deputy Thaler over the years,” said Bryan Larkin, Chief of the Waterloo Regional Police Service. “His commitment to the residents of Waterloo Region and his efforts to foster relationships between the community and our police service have been valuable assets to our organization. I want to personally thank him for his vision, his leadership, and his friendship over the years.”
The Waterloo Regional Police Services Board will launch a recruitment process in the New Year for a new Deputy Chief.
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Cherri Greeno
Manager, Corporate Communications and Public Information
Executive Branch
Waterloo Regional Police Service
519-570-9777 (WRPS) ext. 8773
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