Colin Watson has officially stepped into his new role as the Chief Constable of the Abbotsford Police Department.
The Change of Command Ceremony occurred on Thursday (Nov. 2), with Watson assuming the position from the retiring Mike Serr.
The 50-year-old Watson brings 26 years of experience to the job and left his position as deputy chief with the Victoria Police Department to join the APD.
Const. Art Stele, media relations officer of the APD, said in a press release shortly after the hiring that Watson brings “an impressive background of policing expertise, including a comprehensive and unique range of leadership, management, and supervisory experience, both operationally and administratively.”
Watson told The News last month that he wants to familiarize himself with the community during his early days in the new position.
“My plan is to do a lot of listening, a lot of watching and really learning about where we are now: What are some of the challenges being faced by the Abbotsford Police Department and in the community that may not be as obvious to me as yet?” Watson said.
Serr announced his intention to leave on April 6, 2023 and took over as chief on Oct. 1, 2018. He previously replaced Bob Rich, who served 10 years in that role.
RELATED: Abbotsford Police Department Chief Mike Serr announces retirement