Command change ceremony at Caledon OPP

October 31, 2016 · 0 Comments

By Bill Rea
The command at Caledon OPP officially changed hands last Thursday.
The retiring Inspector Tim Melanson handed over his duties to his successor, Inspector Ryan Carothers.
Sergeant Marcus Sanderson said Melanson is leaving after “an exemplary 30 years of service.”
“He’ll be greatly missed,” Sanderson said. “But his retirement is well deserved.”
Mayor Allan Thompson was on hand to wish Melanson well and to welcome Carothers.
“We know you’re very well qualified,” he told him. “We’re in your hands. Welcome aboard.”
Peel Police Services Board Chair Amrik Ahluwalia commented on the long history of cooperation between the Peel Regional Police and OPP, and he expressed appreciation “for being there for us.”
He also had many complimentary things to say about Carothers, although he agreed he’s got a tough act to follow.
“You’ve got big shoes to fill,” he remarked to Carothers.
“He has what it takes to be a great leader,” Ahluwalia commented. “He has what it takes to be a great public servant. Caledon is in excellent hands with Inspector Carothers.”
Chief Superintendent Rose Di Marco, of the OPP Central Region, herself a former commander of the Caledon detachment, praised Melanson for the job he’s done in Caledon and the many people he’s mentored.
“You will be greatly missed,” she said.
She also said they were glad to see Carothers taking over, recognizing the challenges he will be facing.
“It’s a great detachment to work at,” Melanson said his in brief remarks.
“It is my absolute privilege and honour to be standing before you today,” Carothers told those on hand for the ceremony as he reflected on the trust that has been placed in him.
“Caledon in my eyes . . . has always been the gem of the OPP,” he said, adding the people here care about the safety of their community.
Melanson said he and his wife will soon be moving to British Columbia, where he has a married daughter with children.
“We’ll get the house going,” he said, adding he’ll find time for fishing.

Chief Superintendent Rose Di Marco, of the OPP Central Region, took the flag that was flying outside the Caledon OPP station last Thursday and presented it to the retiring Inspector Tim Melanson, as his successor, Inspector Ryan Carothers, looked on.