After 25 years with the Altona Police Service (APS), Police Chief Perry Batchelor is calling it a career. Batchelor, who has served in the role for the past 12 years, will retire effective September 1, 2022.

Chief Batchelor first joined the Altona Police Service in 1997 after serving for 17 years with the Canadian Armed Forces. In 2000, he was promoted from Constable to Sergeant, and oversaw police patrol operations for a decade in that role before being named Chief of Police in 2010.

In a news release, the Town noted APS continued to grow under Chief Batchelor’s leadership with the addition of more members, an office expansion and the formation of multiple partnerships, keeping pace with a growing community. One such agreement was with the City of Brandon to provide the APS with 24/7 dispatch. Another saw APS become one of the first police services in Manitoba to gain access to the RCMP Records Management system, enhancing information and file sharing between various police agencies as a result.

Batchelor also oversaw APS's centennial celebrations back in 2019.

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As well, during Batchelor's time at the helm, the APS became a founding member of the Regional Support Tactical Team and later, the Regional Crisis Negotiation Unit. Recently, APS also became the first police service in Manitoba to equip its officers with body-worn cameras.

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Over the years, Batchelor has been involved in many local organizations and groups, with community connection and safety at the forefront of each.

Demonstrating a passion for youth engagement and well-being, Chief Batchelor personally spearheaded two fundraising campaigns for The Station (Youth for Christ) over the years, helping the organization to purchase a desperately needed new vehicle, and tools for its Maker Space program.

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“Chief Batchelor has inspired youth and adults alike by his service to our country, his service on the police force and to his community in both fundraising and committee leadership. We wish him well in the next chapter of his life,” said Chairperson Audrey Schmidt on behalf of the Altona Police Board.

Batchelor also spearheaded the campaign to have an AED purchased and installed in the Millenium Exhibition Centre, the first Town of Altona facility to have this device available in the event of an emergency, a move that ultimately saved his own life in 2009 when the AED was used for the first time.

Most recently, Chief Batchelor worked alongside other community leaders to relocate the Veteran’s Memorial Cenotaph, and planned the rededication ceremony that took place last fall.

“Chief Batchelor always wore his uniform with pride, and respected the importance of his role as a leader in our community,” said Mayor Al Friesen. “That responsibility was also evident when I sat next to him as P/A and
Statistician volunteers when our boys played ball, or for my wife who reffed numerous hockey games with Perry. Chief Batchelor was well aware that his influence and effectiveness extended beyond sitting behind a desk, or riding in the patrol car. Those of us who attended last year's rededication ceremony for Altona’s Veteran’s Memorial Cenotaph also witnessed a firsthand example of someone who proudly served his country and brought that same dedication to his hometown. On behalf of Altona's residents, thank you Perry.”

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In 2012, Chief Batchelor was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and in 2017 he was awarded the 20 Year Police Exemplary Service medal. He has also received numerous certificates from various law enforcement training academies.

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"Moving to the community of Altona in May of 1997 was one of the best decisions Kim and I ever made for our family," said Batchelor. "We truly appreciate the opportunity afforded us by Chief Glen Robinson, Mayor, and Council of the time. We quickly became community members and our children, Megan and Mac, became involved in a number of school, sport, and cultural activities. I want to thank the various Altona Town Councils, all Staff and Police Board Members that I’ve worked with over the years.

Due to our strong relationships, we were able to accomplish many good things, for not only the Police Service but also for the Communities we serve. I want to thank our team of highly professional, well-trained, dedicated Police Officers and Support Staff for their hard work; and our spouses for their understanding. Policing is a lifestyle that comes with many challenges, and at times family and personal sacrifices. These past two years have been an extremely difficult time to work in law enforcement and your police service always rose to the challenges presented to them.

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Finally, I want to thank the community for the opportunity to serve you all. I look forward to remaining in the community, spending time with family, on the golf course and likely watching a ball game or two. Take care and stay well.”