The following statement was issued today by the Honourable John Hogan, QC, Minister of Justice and Public Safety and Attorney General:
“On behalf of the people of Newfoundland and Labrador, I extend my sincerest gratitude to Royal Newfoundland Constabulary Chief Joe Boland following a nearly 40 year career in policing.
Chief Boland has given notice of his retirement effective July 31, 2021. He began his career with the Royal Newfoundland Constabulary in 1983 and has served in many branches of the RNC including Patrol Services Division, Criminal Investigation Division, Operational Support Services Division and the Recruiting and Training Unit. Before becoming the 22nd Chief he was the Officer in Charge of Patrol and Operational Services Division.
Within the RNC, there is no higher rank one can achieve than Chief. It is a role that requires extensive experience as an officer, an understanding of the community and great leadership. I commend Chief Boland for his unwavering dedication to the province and commitment to bettering the RNC and the community it serves to protect every day.
Under Chief Boland’s leadership there have been significant advances in the area of mental health. He spearheaded the addition of mobile mental health crisis response teams first established in 2018. In 2020 the Chief introduced Stella the community support dog, and just last week he announced a new partnership to expand equine therapy to first responders with post-traumatic stress disorder. Chief Boland has worked closely with those with lived experience to find a way to respond differently to some of our most vulnerable as we all work together to build safe and healthy communities.
To the family of Chief Boland — thank you for allowing Joe to carry out his duties and perform an important public service that comes with risk and great reward. Chief, I wish you all the best during this next chapter and am confident you will find new ways to continue to serve the community you love so dearly.”
– 30 –
Media contact
Danielle Barron
Justice and Public Safety
709-729-5188, 691-2944
daniellebarron@gov.nl.ca