From 1871 to 1911, the Chief of Police in Sault Ste. Marie was appointed by Municipal Council. In 1911, a new by-law established the Board of Commissioners of Police, which assumed responsibility for appointing Chiefs of Police until 1990.
That year, the introduction of Ontario’s Police Services Act brought about a significant shift. Since then, the Sault Ste. Marie Police Services Board has overseen the selection of the Service’s Chief of Police.
Below is a timeline highlighting the individuals who have led the Sault Ste. Marie Police Service throughout its history.
1871 - 1876
Andrew C. McKay
Reeve of the Village of Sault Ste. Marie, appointed Head Constable
1876 - 1884
John Dawson
Appointed Municipal Constable
1888 - 1891
Ira Allen
Appointed Constable
Feb 3, 1891
John Harris
Appointed Constable and Sanitary Officer
1894 - 1895
A. B. McLean
Appointed Policeman
1900 - 1911
I. J. Downey
Appointed Chief of Police
1911 - 1921
Ralph C. Vincent
Appointed Chief of Police
Resigned April 30, 1921 to become Police Court Clerk
1924 - 1929
Hugh B. Graham
Appointed Chief of Police
Resigned October 1, 1929
1932 - 1942
George Harbottle
Appointed Chief of Police
Resigned May 20, 1942
1942 - 1964
Irvin L. Robertson
Appointed Chief of Police
Resigned July 31, 1964
1964 - 1978
Frederick R. Clark
Appointed Chief of Police
Resigned July 31, 1978
1978 - 1987
Robert T. McEwen
Appointed Chief of Police
Retired March 31, 1987
1987 - 1995
Barry V. King
Appointed Chief of Police
Retired September 30, 1995
1995 - 1996
Robert T. McEwen
Re-appointed Chief of Police
Retired December 1, 1996
1996 - 2014
Robert D. Davies
Appointed Chief of Police
Retired June 30, 2014
2014 - 2018
Robert A. Keetch
Appointed Chief of Police
Retired June 2018
2018 - 2025
Hugh E. Stevenson
Appointed Chief of Police
Resigned March 2025
2025 - Present
Brent Duguay
Appointed Chief of Police
