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It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of a dear friend and long-time mentor, Fred Stewart.
For nearly 30 years, Fred served this community with fierce admiration – never one to shy away from holding up the law, but always preferring to do so with the ‘power of his mind.’
Fred started his policing career in 1957 and was the last reigning Chief of the Hespeler Police Force before it merged with the Waterloo Regional Police Service in 1973.
In a 2016 story in the Cambridge Times, Fred – who was known throughout the duration of his career as “Freddy,” was quoted as saying police officers must always remember that the best tool in their toolbox is the mind. “Use your head. Give as much thought as you can,” he stated. “I like to treat people the way I like to be treated myself.”
Fred retired in 1986 but continued living in the city of Cambridge.
“Fred had been a longtime confidante and mentor whose guidance helped me throughout my entire career,” said Larry Gravill, who served as Chief of Police for the Waterloo Regional Police Service from 1992 to 2007. “He lived his life dedicated to helping others and will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege and honour to know him.”
Bryan Larkin, Chief of Police for the Waterloo Regional Police Service, said Fred was well respected by everyone he came into contact with.
“There will never be another Freddy,” said Bryan Larkin, Chief of Police for the Waterloo Regional Police Service. “He was tough, but he was fair. At the heart of everything he did was a love and passion for this community and its residents. He was truly one of a kind.”
Freddy was 94 years old.
All WRPS Division Flags will fly at half-mast in honour of retired Staff Inspector Stewart.
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