KENORA — The first chief of police for the Treaty Three Police Service has died, the Indigenous-led police service has confirmed.
Brian Rupert served as police chief from 2002 to 2008, stated a news release from the service. Prior to that, starting in 2000 the release added, he was “instrumental in developing Treaty Three Police Service,” by working with then-Treaty 3 Ogichidaa Joseph (Tom) Red Thunder Boy and an area chiefs committee to secure federal and provincial funding to create a police force dedicated to Treaty 3 communities.
“Chief Rupert was a trailblazer in Indigenous policing and a respected leader whose efforts laid the foundation for Treaty Three Police Service,” Cheryl Gervais, the current Treaty 3 police chief, said in the release.
“His commitment to public safety and Treaty 3 communities will not be forgotten.”
Rupert was also the father of current deputy chief Tricia Rupert.
Brian Rupert was born in 1948 in Pine Falls, Man., and a member of Saugeen First Nation, Treaty 3 police said, adding that he started his career in 1967 with the Royal Canadian Air Force Military Police before joining the OPP in 1970 as one of that service's first Indigenous constables.
Treaty 3 police added that he became the first Indigenous non-commissioned officer in the OPP to be promoted to the rank of inspector.
During his time as Treaty 3 police chief, the service said he increased the force’s number of officers to 68 from 35 and oversaw the founding of the emergency response team.
“Despite challenges such as financial constraints and misconceptions about Indigenous policing, he remained committed to a professional and well-trained service,” the release said. “His dedication earned him the Police Exemplary Medal, and his contributions continue to have a lasting impact.”
The police service said that flags at all Treaty 3 police facilities will be at half-mast.
