Myron Demkiw named as new Toronto police chief

The Toronto Police Service (TPS) appointed 32-year veteran Myron Demkiw as its new chief of police on Thursday.

Demkiw will assume the role on December 19, 2022, following a three-month transition period, the police force said. Interim police chief James Ramer will continue to lead the TPS until the transition is complete.

TPS noted the difficult timing of the announcement in the wake of the shooting death of Const. Andrew Hong, who was killed in Mississauga on Monday.

“This is an organization, and, indeed, a city in mourning, and we make this announcement in sombre acknowledgement of this important fact,” the Toronto police board said in a news release.

“However, given that this formal decision has now been made by the board and its clear and direct impact on both the Members of this Service and the members of Toronto’s communities, we make this announcement today to share a matter of significant organizational and public interest.”

Ramer replaced former police chief Mark Saunders in 2020 on an interim basis after Saunders’ resignation.

Demkiw said he’s deeply invested in the city of Toronto and will continue to be committed to the integrity and success of the TPS.

“I wish to extend my gratitude to Chief Ramer and to the dedicated Members of the Toronto Police Service who are committed to the safety and well-being of our great city,” Demkiw said in a statement.

“At this time, our organization is grieving the loss of Constable Andrew Hong, and while I wish to thank the Toronto Police Services Board for their trust and confidence and extend my gratitude to my colleagues, both sworn and civilian, I will reserve further comment at this time, out of respect for Constable Hong, his family and our Members.”

TPS board chair Jim Hart said Demkiw “possesses extensive operational policing experience to keep our city, its residents, and its visitors safe.”

“In Chief Designate Demkiw, the Board has found the candidate that possessed what members of communities across the City, along with our stakeholders, asked us for: a dedicated public servant and relationship-builder, committed to building and enhancing trust with the diverse communities we serve,” Hart said.

Toronto Mayor John Tory congratulated Demkiw on being appointed as chief of police.

“He is a veteran police officer who is a respected policing expert when it comes to community safety and well-being, as well as gun and gang violence prevention and intervention,” Tory said.

“I know he will bring a focus on confronting gun and gang violence to his new role, along with a determined commitment to keeping our city as one of the safest major cities in the world.”