Lewis Sutherland retiring as Kensington police chief after 2 decades to focus on his family
Shane Ross | CBC News | Posted: January 7, 2025 1:28 AM | Last Updated: January 7
His wife has supported him throughout his policing career, he said. Now it's time for him to look after her
After 20 years as chief of the police force in Kensington, P.E.I., Lewis Sutherland is retiring to focus on his family.
He plans to move back to Nova Scotia, where he began his policing career 45 years ago.
He said he will miss the "great town" of Kensington.
"We have great leaders and great people that live in our community. Drive through Kensington, you'll see that Kensington is on the move. A lot of new businesses and housing is coming along. It's just a great place to be."
But Sutherland said the time is right to move on. He said his wife is not in good health and wants to move home to Nova Scotia. After she supported him through his career, Sutherland said it's time for him to look after her.
"Policing is a very stressful business, bad enough just being a constable or corporal or sergeant on the street, but being the chief, you bear all the problems, you know, as time goes along," he said.
"My wife has been super, and my family as well. So I have to put them in the forefront."
Landon Yuill sworn in as chief
Sutherland said one his proudest accomplishments is developing a positive relationship with youths in the town, which has included bicycle giveaways and fishing derbies held by the police department.
Landon Yuill, who was the deputy chief, was sworn in as chief Monday night.
"It's sad for me to go, but I'm excited. I'm excited for Landon," Sutherland said.
"He shares many of the same feelings that I do of how we have to treat people, and I think we have an excellent force here. We absolutely do."