This afternoon, VicPD will undergo a significant change, and the public is welcome to observe the ceremony via livestream.
On August 28th, at 1 p.m., a change of command ceremony will be held where Del Manak will officially transfer command of the Victoria Police Department to Fiona Wilson.
The ceremony will be livestreamed on the VicPD Canada YouTube channel so that Victorians may witness the event as it happens.
Del Manak retires after 35 years of service
Manak is stepping down as Chief Constable of the VicPD after 35 years of outstanding service, which includes 32 years at VicPD and 10 of those years as Chief.
Del Manak is looked upon as the first chief of colour in the department’s history, and is known for providing stability to the force after being appointed interim chief in 2016.
Throughout his time in service, Manak was an advocate for community connection, which included the ritual of giving out doughnuts and coffee gift cards.
He trained at the FBI National Academy and holds a Master’s degree in Terrorism, Risk and Security Studies from. He is a recipient of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces and the King Charles III Coronation Medal, which attests to his national accolades.
Reflecting on his career, Manak talked about the subtleties of policing as a profession that far too often is “in the grey” and requiring compassion and good judgment. As he moves away from the profession, he plans to keep close to family, to rest, and to seek out new interests beyond the perpetual stress of being a police chief.
Fiona Wilson assumes role as VicPD’s first female chief
Taking the helm today is Chief Constable Fiona Wilson, who joins the detachement from the Vancouver Police Department after more than 26 years of service. Most recently, she served as Deputy Chief of the Investigation Division, overseeing major crime, organized crime, and professional standards.
Wilson was appointed unanimously this year by the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board and began her tenure officially on August 15th, weathering the handover with Manak.
She is also the first female chief constable at VicPD.
They describe her as a leader of utmost integrity, a strong champion of officer wellness, and a force for community trust building. Wilson relocated with her husband and three children to Victoria and was poised to begin a new chapter for the department.
The Change of Command ceremony begins at 1 p.m. today and will be broadcast live here.
