South Simcoe Police Deputy Chief Chris Landry may have only been sworn in this spring, but he’s already making his mark — and he’s doing it in his own backyard.
Landry, who spent more than three decades with the Ontario Provincial Police before retiring as a detective superintendent, says stepping into this role feels like the opportunity of a lifetime. “It’s truly been an opportunity of my life to come into this role,” he said.
Listen below to our interview with Deputy Chief Landry; it begins at the 17:01 mark, (but feel free to listen to the entire podcast!
The longtime Bradford resident brings not only extensive investigative and leadership experience but also deep community ties. He and his family have lived in Bradford for 15 years, and returning home to serve is part of what motivated him to come out of retirement.
“I wasn’t quite ready to retire,” he explained. “This is my hometown, my family, my friends, my children. It called to me in that sense — to be able to work within my community.”
Priorities: Wellness and Modernization
Since stepping into the role, Landry has set clear priorities. Member wellness tops the list, alongside modernizing operations and technology. He has created a modernization working group within the service to look at how South Simcoe Police can innovate.
But for Landry, modernization is always tied to people. “The frontline is so important. It’s our foundation. It’s really important to me that I engage with the frontline as much as I can,” he said.
Strategic Planning and Community Input
Landry is also overseeing the development of a new four-year strategic plan that will serve as a roadmap for the service. Community input, he emphasized, is critical.
“This is community policing. It’s so important to hear from our community members — what’s important to them, and what they value,” he said, noting that a community survey is being launched alongside input from officers and staff.
Honouring the Fallen
September also brings a solemn tradition for police services across the country. South Simcoe officers will once again participate in the National Police Officers Memorial Run and the Ride to Remember, both making the 460-kilometre journey from Toronto to Ottawa in honour of fallen officers, including Constables Alan Kuzmich, Devon Northrup, and Morgan Russell.
Locally, the South Simcoe Police will host a Memorial Run Kickoff on September 24 at 5 p.m. at the South Division in Bradford. The four-kilometre run or walk invites families, friends, and community members to participate in remembering those who made the ultimate sacrifice.
“The support does not go unrecognized,” Landry said. “It’s truly meaningful.”
Outside the Badge
Away from the uniform, Landry is a lifelong drummer. He’s been playing since age 10 and now jams with a band called The Edge, playing hits from the ’70s, ’80s, and ’90s. His musical influences include Neil Peart of Rush and John Bonham of Led Zeppelin.
For Landry, the beat goes on — both in music and in service. As he settles into his new role, he says he’s committed to balancing innovation, officer wellness, and community connection.
