City Council has appointed a new Police Chief to the Fredericton Police Force this week. Gary Forward, who is serving as the current Chief of Police for the Woodstock Police Force, will start in the new role early next month.
Forward is a dedicated public safety professional with 35 years of experience. He started his career with the Fredericton Police Force as a Constable in 1989, rising to the rank of Inspector for the Force 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 as Chief for the Woodstock Police Force in 2019.
"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.”
Forward has served on multiple boards and committees over the years. He is currently the 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.
“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 Fredericton Mayor Kate Rogers.
“Chief Gaudet served our community with unwavering dedication and professionalism for an impressive 30 years,” Rogers said. “On behalf of Fredericton City Council, I would like to express our deepest thanks and wish him all the best on his retirement.”
The City conducted a national search for a new Chief with KRBS, an executive search and HR Consulting Firm. Forward will be sworn in as Chief at the next City Council Meeting in September.