Greater Sudbury Police Service held a Change of Command Ceremony on Friday May 15, 2009 at the Sudbury Arena. For the first time in the history of Sudbury policing, the ceremony was opened to the public with over 1000 people in attendance.

After spending the last seven years of his 31-year policing career as the Chief of the Great Sudbury Police Service, Ian Davidson has stepped down.

Davidson joined the Ottawa Police Service in 1978 where he acquired a very broad range of operational and administrative experience. In 1999, he and his family returned to their hometown of Sudbury after becoming a successful candidate for the position of Superintendent. He was appointed Chief of Police in 2002.

Davidson is embarking on a new adventure, allowing him to utilize his skills as the Province’s Commissioner of Community Safety. He will assume overall accountability for public safety strategies, emergency preparedness, fire protection services, policing support, security services, Centre of Forensic Science and the Ontario Police College.

Deputy Chief Frank Elsner was appointed Chief to replace Davidson.

Elsner began his career with the RCMP in 1982, moving to the Ontario Provincial Police in 1985. He then joined Thunder Bay Police Service where he experienced every area of policing. With over 27 years of experience in policing, Chief Elsner served as Deputy Chief of Police with Owen Sound Police Service for six years. In January 2007 Chief Elsner came to Greater Sudbury after an extensive national search, to fill the position of Deputy Chief.

Elsner holds a Bachelor Degree in Political Science and a Minor Degree in Law from Lakehead University.  He also has his Masters Degree in Public Administration from the University of Western Ontario.

Chief Elsner has become well established in the Greater Sudbury community. He sits on several Boards, including Cambrian College, St. Joseph’s Villa, Sudbury Regional Hospital and St. John Ambulance. He is also a member of the Rotary Club of Sudbury.

Chief Elsner has voiced two top priorities: to reach out to the youth of the community and to be open with the community. Opening the Change of Command ceremony to the public was a first step. The event was a success with over 1000 individuals in attendance to watch.