After 45 years in law enforcement, Moose Jaw Police Chief Rick Bourassa has announced that he intends to retire and will ride off into the sunset in 2025.
Bourassa publicly announced his decision during the Board of Police Commissioners’ Sept. 11 meeting, saying he had been having conversations with himself and privately with the board for a while. He pointed out that he began working in policing in January 1981, with two years spent in government, 11 years in Moose Jaw and 31 years in Regina.
“I know it’s time. There are no issues going on (but) it’s just time for me personally to retire and for this police service to have a new chief,” he said, noting he would determine an exit date in January after completing some projects.
Bourassa was invested as police chief in 2013 and gave a brief speech during that induction. He kept those notes and referred to them while speaking to the board.
One of his points was that it was important to have integrity, honesty, respect, and commitment and to treat people with dignity while the agency sought ways to be open, transparent, and accountable.
Meanwhile, the motto on the side of police cruisers used to be “Together, we make a difference,” but it now says “Vision, Integrity, Community.”
“And I meant that we will continue to be good partners and work collaboratively to keep Moose Jaw a safe, harmonious and inclusive community,” Bourassa said. “Those are (all) the values and the principles I set out and those are (ones) I have adhered to … . I set the tone at the start and I’ve stayed consistent with that throughout.
“I have to say it has been the best experience of my life to be the chief here and … in policing and I’m going to miss it deeply, but man, do you get tired,” he chuckled.
Bourassa acknowledged that he signed a three-year contract extension in March 2023. However, he said that the municipal election is in November and new city councillors will join the board. Therefore, he would remain until the new board has chosen a new chief.
“I’m going to have my nose to the grindstone for the rest of the time (I’m here), but it’s time,” he added.
After the meeting, Bourassa told reporters that he has “absolutely loved” policing and making a difference in his communities, while he has enjoyed interacting with police personnel and boards. However, he is tired out after nearly five decades in uniform.
“I’m still going 100 miles an hour … . It’s a 24/7, 365-(day) job,” he remarked.
The chief is always on call — the phone is always ringing and there are no days off — and must always respond to situations, continually look forward, and strategize and develop plans, while there are few opportunities to recharge, he continued. Moreover, he has been heavily involved in provincial and national policing groups, which is important — but time-consuming — work.
Forty-five years has been “a long haul,” but Bourassa said he still enjoys his work and encountering new situations. Meanwhile, he also acquired two university degrees and raised a family during that time.
“It’s demanding but worth every second,” Bourassa added.
Commissioner Doug Blanc, the longest-serving board member, said during the meeting that he appreciated how Bourassa was willing to answer the board’s many questions. Meanwhile, he recalled with gratitude how the chief kept commissioners informed by text message when officers engaged in a gunfight with a Calgary man in October 2022.
Board chairwoman Crystal Froese recalled serving a three-year term on the board beginning in 2016 and appreciating how Bourassa brought in officers to discuss the stress they were facing, whether during daily operations or unwanted overtime.
Those conversations convinced the board to increase the police service’s strength to 64 members from 52, she remarked.
Froese added that she appreciated Bourassa’s openness, leadership and willingness to share the knowledge he had acquired from his national networks.
Commissioner Patricia Marytnook said she appreciated how Bourassa pressured the minister of corrections, policing and public safety to provide funding for more members since he was motivated to support all policing agencies in Saskatchewan.
“It may have come with some repercussions to you or consequences, but I think you did the right thing and that’s what matters,” she added.
“The minister was always very open. There were very good discussions, but they became pointed at times,” Bourassa replied. “But you have to take those risks if you want to get things done.”
