Beginning this August, a new person will oversee the Delta Police Department.
After more than 40 years in policing – the last 10 years in Delta, Neil Dubord has announced his retirement.
I sat down with Chief Dubord last week in the boardroom at department headquarters in Ladner. Like all my conversations/interviews with Neil the past seven years I have been with the Optimist, they always start out with, “How are you doing Ian?” And, “How is your family?”
Neil genuinely cares about people – a trait that I admire in my relationship with him over the years. It is why I have the utmost respect for him and for his leadership.
Life brings with it difficulties, and that includes the trials and tribulations of a job. And being a police officer is one of the toughest jobs around.
Being a police chief is even harder. You have to answer to mayor and council, the police board, the community, the officers with whom you work, and most importantly – yourself.
What has always struck me about Neil is his commitment to the community, the commitment to the department and wanting to ensure the best possible service to the residents of Delta.
Have there been some tough times? You bet. Have there been uncomfortable and sensitive topics that he has had to discuss with this newspaper and other media outlets? You would be right again. But Neil has always been honest, open and transparent and as a journalist, that is all you can ask for.
In the close to 30 years that I have been in this industry, I have worked in many communities around this province – most of which have been policed by the RCMP. I can honestly say none of those communities can hold a candle to the positive working relationship that I have had with Neil and the Delta Police.
The Delta Police Department is a great organization and Neil has been a huge part of that.
I wish Neil and his family well on whatever adventure comes next. Thank you for your service and for your friendship.
