Deputy Chief Rouse Announces Retirement
February 24, 2023
York Region - After 36 years of exemplary police service to York Region residents Deputy Chief Robertson Rouse has announced his retirement. His last day will be June 15, 2023.
“Over the course of his exceptional career, Deputy Chief Rouse has made significant contributions to policing, to community safety and to enhancing diversity, equity and inclusion within the organization. Robertson has served the residents of York Region with commitment and distinction. On behalf of the Police Services Board, I extend our gratitude for his 36 years of public service to our residents and over the past five years as a member of the Executive Command Team,” said Board Chair Wayne Emmerson.
“Deputy Chief Rouse has dedicated his long, successful career to excellence in policing, supporting our members and working for equity and diversity both in our police service and in our community,” said Chief of Police Jim MacSween. “His loss will certainly be felt across all ranks of this organization. We look forward to formally acknowledging his many contributions in the spring.”
During his 36-year career with York Regional Police, Deputy Chief Rouse has served in the Uniform Patrol, Intelligence Bureau, the Provincial Weapons Enforcement Unit, #2 District Criminal Investigations Bureau and as the officer in charge of the Sexual Assault, Domestic Violence and Child Abuse Bureaus.
Through successive leadership roles, he was promoted to the rank of Inspector in 2004 and was assigned to #5 District headquarters in the City of Markham. In 2008, he was promoted to rank of Superintendent and remained at #5 District as the officer in charge. He was the officer in charge of Staff Services, which includes the Human Resources, Member Support, Employee Relations and Psychological Services Bureau prior to his promotion to Deputy Chief of Police.
Deputy Chief Rouse holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology and a certificate of business administration from the University of Toronto and has extensive professional leadership training.
Robertson is the recipient of the Governor General’s Exemplary Service 20-year medal and 30-year First Bar. In May of 2022, he was appointed as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by the Governor General of Canada. He was awarded the Human Rights and Race Relations Centre Gold Medal for outstanding contributions to the promotion of race relations, and the National Ethnic Press and Media Council Award for distinguished service to community and for public service. Deputy Chief Rouse has received numerous other awards and recognition for his extensive community work and has been the Executive Sponsor of many York Regional Police programs such as the annual Black History Month celebrations, the Anti-Black Racism Working Group, and the initial Wellness Project.
“As I reflect on the last 36 years of my career, many fond memories come to mind. Yes, there were challenges, but the fond memories far outweigh the challenges. I appreciate all the support and confidence shown in me during my tenure. I am extremely proud to have served with some of the finest women and men in the policing profession. I leave with great pride knowing that York Regional Police is a great organization and will continue to do great things for this community,” said Deputy Chief Rouse.
In the coming weeks, the Board will begin the process of recruiting an internal candidate to fill the future vacancy.
The Board wishes Deputy Chief Rouse the very best on his upcoming retirement and is grateful for his 36 years of public service.
The Regional Municipality of York Police Services Board is a seven-member civilian Board that oversees the York Regional Police and is comprised of one member as Head of Municipal Council, three members are appointed by resolution of Regional Council and three by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
Contact: Mafalda Avellino, Executive Director, Police Services Board,
1-877-464-9675 ext. 77906 or psb@yrp.ca
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