Abbotsford Police Deputy Chief Len Goerke is leaving the department after 27 years to take on the role of chief constable of the West Vancouver Police Department (WVPD).
Goerke will officially begin his new duties on Aug. 5, taking over from current Chief Peter Lepine, but will begin immediately transitioning into his new role, said West Vancouver Mayor Michael Smith, who chairs the WVPD board.
“I have no doubt that with his many years of experience, West Vancouver will continue to be one of the safest communities in the province, and that under Len’s leadership, we will continue to attract and retain the top policing talent," Smith said.
Goerke said he is excited to begin working with his new colleagues.
“It is a privilege to be entrusted by the West Vancouver Police Board to lead the department," he said.
Lepine announced in February that he would be retiring later this year and said his announcement was not linked to some officers' allegations of sexual alleged harassment, racism and bullying at the WVPD.
Goerke has been with the Abbotsford Police Department since 1987, when it was the Matsqui Police force.
As deputy chief constable, he is currently responsible for the administration division, which comprises human resources, finance and budget, support services, and professional standards.
Goerke worked as a constable in areas such as patrol and the emergency response team before being promoted to sergeant in 2000 and staff sergeant in 2003.
In the latter role, he was in charge of the Municipal Integrated Emergency Response Team (MIERT), which disbanded early last year.
Goerke was promoted to inspector in 2007 and was the officer in charge of human resources. In 2009, he took over as head of the criminal investigations branch.
He is part of the faculty at the University of the Fraser Valley’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice and also serves as the president of the BC Association of Chiefs of Police.
Goerke is the labour relations committee chair and co-chair, respectively, for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police and the BC Association of Municipal Chiefs of Police.
He is also a member of the International Association of Chiefs of Police and holds a liberal arts diploma, a bachelor of arts and a master of arts.
Goerke is currently completing the executive program at the University of Western Ontario's Ivey School of Business.
He was awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2013.
It is not yet known who will replace Goerke at the Abbotsford Police Department.