Honey Dwyer receives her badge from Chief R.M. Bruce of Saint John Police. (Submitted Photo/Saint John Police)

By Derek Craddock

SAINT JOHN POLICE

LLRIB woman named Deputy Police Chief in Saint John

Jul 27, 2022 | 5:00 PM

She is the highest-ranking female police officer ever in Saint John, N.B. and she hails from the Lac La Ronge Indian Band.

On July 18, Honey Dwyer was sworn in as deputy chief of the Saint John Police Force, a position no woman had ever held in the 173-year history of the organization.

Starting in the military and working her way through RCMP detachments in Saskatchewan and other spots in Canada, Dwyer said she was delighted to be given the position of deputy chief.

“I’m obviously happy to hold that position and proud to be representative of women but also our Indigenous people.”

“I wouldn’t have thought of it years ago. I grew up in Timber Cove. I didn’t know it was going to be the first time holding this position until I got offered the job and was told, this is history for the Saint John Police Force.”

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Police chief, R.M. Bruce, said it is a pleasure to welcome Dwyer to the force.

“She brings extensive policing experience and a wealth of knowledge to her new role. I know she is looking forward to serving our community with enthusiasm, pride, and integrity.”

While Dwyer said it’s a proud moment to join the force, it also shows that change is happening in the police ranks.

“We can make the change happen. We just have to step outside of our comfort zone and push through. I want to be that person for other people as well.”

When asked if she hopes her journey inspires other Indigenous women to pursue policing, she said yes, but acknowledged that it all comes from hard work and stepping out of your comfort zone.

“Some people still have that perception that Indigenous people don’t succeed but it shows that we can be successful. I know I didn’t get this because I am an Indigenous person. Even through the RCMP, any appointment that I got when I was promoted, I knew I earned it,” she said.

“You will get where you’re going if you put in 100 per cent or more and keep forging ahead and know that each spot that you go to, it paves the way for others to know that this is possible.”

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derek.craddock@pattisonmedia.com

Twitter: @PA_Craddock