Popular Woodstock Police Chief Gary Forward leaving post to return to Fredericton Police Force; Deputy Chief Mark Bennett to be named interim Woodstock chief
Woodstock Police Force Chief Gary Forward is going home. Fredericton City Council confirmed in an Aug. 28 news release that the former Fredericton police inspector will become the Force’s chief effective early September.
The Fredericton announcement came one day after Woodstock council announced Forward’s departure at its Council in Committee meeting in Sam’s Room at the AYR Motor Centre on Tuesday, Aug. 27.
With hugs, handshakes and kind words, Woodstock council members displayed heartfelt emotion upon hearing the news that the popular Woodstock chief is resigning to accept a role elsewhere.
“Although we would have loved to see Chief Forward stay with us for the remainder of his contract, this step for him in his career is logical and, from my perspective, was inevitable,” said Mayor Trina Jones in making the shocking announcement.
In the Fredericton release, Forward called it an honour to take over the role from retiring Fredericton Police Chief Martin Gaudet.
“I am deeply honoured for the opportunity to return to this incredible community as Chief of Police,” said Gary Forward, Fredericton’s newest Police Chief.” I extend my gratitude to former Chief Martin Gaudet for his unwavering dedication and outstanding service to our city. Our focus, moving forward, will be to build upon the Force’s strong foundation and, as always, strive for excellence in serving and protecting our community.”
Woodstock Mayor Jones praised Forward as one of “the very best leaders,” who understood the value of succession planning and preparing for his eventual exit.
Jones explained that Forward’s four years as chief improved the Force, built a strong team, cultivated new leaders who expounded the same work ethic and commitment to excellence and established a healthy work environment.
“Chief Forward has been a tremendous leader for the past four years and has worked to build a high functioning police force that has resulted in overall high job satisfaction, low turnover, and low customer complaints,” she said. “He has been continually building leadership throughout his organization and as such, he has prepared us for an overall smooth transition.”
Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers noted Forward’s wealth of experience and leadership when she announced his appointment as the city’s new chief.
“We welcome Chief Forward back to the Fredericton Police Force. His experience and expertise in complex policing issues and his commitment to community policing will be instrumental as we continue to grow and develop a modern police force that serves and protects our beautiful city,” said Rogers.
Jones also announced that Deputy Chief Mark Bennett will be appointed interim chief, effective Sept. 6.
She said Deputy Chief Bennett shares Chief Forward’s policing philosophy and has demonstrated his strong leadership capabilities in his current role.
“Our deputy chief has been involved heavily in the day-to-day operations since he was hired, and he has built a great working relationship with the staff and has already earned the respect of the council for the projects that he has taken the lead on, including recently the Total Solar Eclipse public safety plan that he led for the entire Upper River Valley.”
Jones said Bennett, town staff and council will work together to “ensure the path forward seeks to continue the success we have today.”
Before the Council in Committee announcement, Forward and Bennett updated the council on the latest developments, including the addition of three new officers hired and trained through the Force’s recruitment programs.
Following the Council in Committee meeting, Forward shook hands and hugged most of those present at the meeting.
Forward called it an honour to serve the community and expressed confidence that Deputy Chief Bennett would continue the Force’s advances in recent years.
Bennett said he and the outgoing chief share similar philosophies in leadership, transparency and the role of a police force.
Under Forward’s leadership, much of it done with Bennett serving as second in command, the Woodstock Police Force underwent significant expansion, including the formation of new divisions, including the Street Crime Unit, expansion of its community outreach and enhancement of its transparency.
Forward also oversaw the development of the potential plan to expand the Force to cover all five wards of the expanded town of Woodstock under municipal reform.
New Brunswick Public Safety Minister Kris Austin has already accepted the plan, which the council is studying to determine whether the town will proceed with it.
Deputy Mayor Mark Rogers praised both Forward and Bennett, describing them as “great men who do great jobs.”
Senior council member Jeff Bradbury praised the outgoing chief’s efforts to build a solid and efficient force. He also noted that Chief Forward leaves behind the leadership and staff needed to continue his legacy.
“The most valuable leaders are those who can teach,” Bradbury told Forward. “You certainly brought that.”
Mayor Jones ended her announcement by congratulating Chief Forward and Deputy Chief Bennett as they prepare for their new roles.
“Chief Forward, we wish you nothing but the best, we will miss you, and I have no doubt at all that you will be successful in your new role,” she said.
Forward carries 35 years of dedicated public safety experience into his new role with the Fredericton Police Force.
He began his career in 1989 as a constable with the Fredericton force, rising to inspector in 2007.
He has worked in the RCMP’s J-Division and the Department of Justice and Public Safety for the Province of New Brunswick and took on the role of Chief of the Woodstock Police Force in 2019.
Serving on multiple boards and committees over the years, Forward currently serves as President of the New Brunswick Association of Chiefs of Police (NBACP) and sits on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP).
He graduated from the Atlantic Police Academy in 1989 and completed a Master’s degree at the University of New Brunswick in 2016.
The Fredericton media release said. Forward will be sworn in as Fredericton Chief at the next City Council meeting in September.
Woodstock Mayor Jones said she anticipates the council holding a special meeting shortly to officially appoint Deputy Chief Bennett as interim chief.
