New Deputy Chief of Police - Congratulations Inspector Sara Cunningham

The Greater Sudbury Police Services Board is pleased to announce that Sara Cunningham has been selected as the next Deputy Chief of Police.

“Inspector Cunningham’s 24 years with the Service has made her well-equipped to assume this position,” said Chief Paul Pedersen. “She has served with pride, distinction, and excellence, and brings vast experience to the role. I am very pleased to have her join the Executive Team as our next Deputy Chief.”

Chief Pedersen and Board Chair Lise Poratto-Mason describe her as an engaging leader, having had responsibility for many areas involving varied operational and administrative assignments.

“I am deeply honoured that the Board has entrusted me with serving as the next Deputy Chief of Police,” said Cunningham. “As an Inspector, I was entrusted with many high-level projects, most recently debuting our Mobile Crisis Rapid Response Team in partnership with Health Sciences North. I look forward to continuing the success of the MCRRT project, and to spearheading other initiatives in my role as Deputy Chief.”

In her most recent assignment as Inspector of Strategic Operations and the Executive Officer to the Chief of Police, Cunningham had charge of many areas, including Professional Standards, Indigenous Liaison, and Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion. She encourages innovation and works with others to develop effective solutions.

Deputy Chief Cunningham holds her Bachelor of Arts from Laurentian University, a certificate in Supervision and Leadership from the University of Waterloo, and recently completed the Police Leadership Program at the Rotman School of Business at University of Toronto.

As someone who values community partnerships she also has a dedicated background of community engagement in policing, having worked with the Rapid Mobilization Table committee and the Violent Threat Risk Assessment committee, working on the Downtown Engagement Team initiative, as well as speaking at CAN (Community Action Network) meetings and participating in Coffee with a Cop.

“Inspector Cunningham stood out in the competition with strong leadership skills and a community-focused approach to policing and leadership. She demonstrates a strong commitment to working with diverse groups and to community engagement. The Board is excited to announce its decision on the appointment of Sara as our new Deputy Chief,” said Chair Poratto-Mason.

“We wish to thank outgoing Deputy Chief Weber for her many years of dedicated service and wish her the very best in her retirement,” continued Poratto-Mason. “We welcome Sara to her new role and wish her every success in the future. Please join me in congratulating and warmly welcoming Deputy Chief Sara Cunningham.”