Broadcast Time: 4:30 PM Date: February 2, 2023
The Sarnia Police Services Board has a new chair and vice-chair for 2023. At its February 2 meeting, board members elected Paul Wiersma as chair and Kelly Ash as vice-chair. Wiersma and Ash will provide Board leadership, working closely with Sarnia Police Service Chief Derek Davis and Deputy Chief designate Julie Craddock to achieve the strategic objectives and priorities for the Sarnia Police Service in the 2023-25 Business Plan.
Wiersma’s governance experience includes four years on the Sarnia Police Services Board including being the Vice-Chair, ten years on the Bluewater Health Board including being the Chair, and two and a half years on the Sarnia Concert Association Board including being the Vice-Chair. He works as a System Coordinator for Alternative and Continuing Education in the Lambton Kent District School Board. “I am thankful for the opportunity to lead the Board through a period of transformation within the police service. With new investment, we will have a greater opportunity to engage in more proactive and community-based policing that will be more responsive to the safety and wellbeing needs of the community” says Wiersma.
Ash’s governance experience includes two terms as the Women’s Interval Home Board Chair, two years on the Sarnia-Lambton Crime Stoppers Board, and several committees with the Sarnia Lambton Chamber of Commerce. She works as a Branch Manager for the Southwest Regional Credit Union. Ash says “it has been an honor to serve on the SPSB for the last year. I am very excited to continue with the work that we have begun with my fellow board members, Chief Davis and the entire Service. The commitment and heart that I have seen from so many in the force is inspiring.”
Constable Giovanni Sottosanti
Media Officer
Tel: 519-344-8861, extension 6168
Email: 168@police.sarnia.on.ca