Madeleine Meilleur, Minister of Community Safety and Correctional Services, issued the following statement:

"On behalf of our government, I wish to congratulate Chief S. J. (Steve) Tanner, of the Kingston Police, on his appointment as the 61st president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP).

Chief Tanner was appointed Kingston's 15th Chief of Police on Nov. 1, 2008. Previously, in 2002, he was the Chief of the Belleville Police Service — and one of the youngest police chiefs in Canada. He began his policing career with the Halton Regional Police Service in 1982. Chief Tanner is a graduate of the Master of Public Administration degree program at the University of Western Ontario.

Chief Tanner is assuming his role at a critical time for the organization. I know that his experience, background and commitment to policing will help him perform well in his new role. I look forward to working with Chief Tanner as we continue to keep our communities safe for Ontario families."