The Morden Police Service has a new chief, and it’s someone who knows the force inside and out. On the same day he marked 25 years with the service, Sean Aune officially became chief of police. "As of today, 25 years. Today's my actual anniversary," said Aune. "So, it was a special day already, and now it's even more special." Stepping up after four years as inspector Aune previously served as inspector for the past four years and said accepting the top role was an emotional moment after decades of service. "I haven't been nervous in 25 years," he said. "When you do this job, you see a lot of things and not much gets to you anymore, but... it's been a lot of emotions and a lot of thoughts today." Other stories: Genesis House breaks records with its Unmask Domestic Violence event Gateway opens door to independence with Winkler Community Foundation partnership He said the decision to apply came after discussions with his family, and ultimately came down to the chance to keep doing what he loves, in the place he loves. "I should be grateful for this opportunity that I get to do what I love and the community I love. And you know, that's what it comes down to for me." Big shoes to fill Aune acknowledged the impact of his predecessor, Chief Brad Neduzak. "I have some big shoes to fill. He did this for a long time... I hope that I meet his level of excellence." Shared vision for the community As for what’s ahead, Aune said he shares the city and board’s vision and looks forward to where the team can go next. "We have some ideas already. I was already a part of working with the police board. And with their vision. And... the city and the police board both have the same vision as I do for our police service. We have a great group of people... the specialty units we have. So... it just goes up from here." "I'm just excited to put the effort into it now and to see where we can take it." Board says Aune was the right choice Colin Harbinson, vice chairman of the Morden Police Board, said the board was impressed by Aune’s experience and presentation during the selection process. "Sean's resume is top marks. The presentation he gave to us was bar none. You know, just the experience that he's had all the way through the ranks, from the rookie with the Morden Police Force and commander of various specialties within the force. And the education that he's taken all throughout his career is just commendable... We feel that he has the experience, the knowledge, the drive, the desire to continue to serve the community in this capacity." Harbinson also emphasized Aune’s deep roots in Morden. "He has been living in the community most of his life. His kids have gone to school here. He's well known in the community. He's well respected in the community. Both from volunteering and coaching hockey and baseball through his years here." Vision: Community-first policing The board's vision, developed over the past three years, emphasizes proactive community involvement, particularly with youth and newcomers. "It used to be when kids saw a police car, they ran, they froze. Whereas, we believe the Morden service should be involved in the school... we want more community involvement from the service so that people realize when they see a police car, it's a good thing." Harbinson noted that for many immigrants, past experiences with law enforcement had been negative. "There's an officer assigned to this... just talking about more of the positive things the police force has in our culture." Harbinson, who came to Canada from Northern Ireland, said the board is proud of the direction the service is going. "Our previous chief basically put his life in this job, in this position. And big shoes to fill, but we believe that Sean will fill them and expand the direction in the community as the community grows as well." Learn more about the Morden Police service here.