Fredericton’s police chief is set to retire Monday after more than three decades in policing.
Leanne Fitch has been part of the force since her university days — starting as a park patrol officer in the early 1980s.
She moved up through the ranks with the force, becoming deputy police chief in 2005 and police chief in 2013.
In a one-on-one interview, Fitch said she has experienced a range of emotions as she prepares to move on.
“I’ve been doing a lot of reflecting over the last 34 years, the changes in policing that I’ve been witness to and been part of,” said Fitch. “Obviously, this last 10 months has been particularly hard for our department.”
Monday will mark 10 months since two of her officers — Const. Sara Burns and Const. Robb Costello — were shot and killed on Fredericton’s north side last August.
I had the chance to sit down with Chief Leanne Fitch of @CityFredPolice on Wednesday for a one-on-one interview before her retirement next week.
Fitch says she's ready to pass the torch after six years as chief and 34 years in policing. #Fredericton pic.twitter.com/IzwdOAjyrG
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) June 6, 2019
“I’ve had people say ‘you know, it’s been a really tough year’ and I said ‘no, actually, it’s been a brutal year. It’s been an absolutely brutal year,” Fitch said.
“I’m tired right now — I really haven’t stopped since last August.”
But despite the tragedy, Fitch said she still loves her job and is proud to have served in policing for more than three decades.
She plans on taking the summer off and spending time on her far with her family and wife, Sara.
“We have three horses at home so I’m looking forward to getting back in the saddle on my horse,” Fitch said, adding it will be the first time since the shootings.
But Fitch does not plan on taking much of a break — on Monday, she was appointed vice-chair of a new interim advisory board which will provide advice on RCMP administration and management.
Roger Brown, the former commanding officer of the New Brunswick RCMP, has been appointed Fredericton’s next police chief.
