Sudbury's Frank Elsner to lead Victoria police

Greater SudburyPolice Chief Frank Elsnerleaves the city at the end of the year to return to what he calls his "home town."

Elsner who was selected following a nationwide recruitment effort takes over fromretiring Victoria Chief Jamie Graham onDec. 31.

After four years at the helm of GreaterSudbury'spolice service, which isresponsible for a population base about half thesize of Greater Victoria, Elsner said he never had any intentions of leaving but Victoria asked him,and the timing seemed right

"It's a personal reason, that's the only reason I'm leaving," he said."I love this community.I love the way I've been treated. This is a lot harder than I thought this was going to be. Alot harder. I've moved around a lot in my career and this is the only time I've felt this way."

Ron Dupuis, chairman of the Greater Sudbury police board said Elsneris "leaving the police services in great shape."

Dupuis added "it's the little things that the chief has done over the past sevenyears that has set him a part. It's a sad day, but it's one where it's a happy day because Frank is going back home and he's going to be able to spend time with his elderly mom.I think it's formidable that he gets to go back and be the chief there for a few years."

Police Board vice chair andEsquimaltMayor BarbaraDesjardinssaidthe choice ofElsnerwas unanimous by board members from bothVictoria and neighbouringEsquimalt.

Victoria Mayor DeanFortinpraisedthe new chief, saying Elsnerhas animpressive policing career and a leadership approach that is builton open communication and community involvement.

Elsner reflects on what he leaves behind

Indeed, community involvement has been a highlight for Elsner as well.

At a press conference on Thursday announcing his career change, Elsner said he is most proud of "the way we've engaged our community."

He spoke at length about the Greater Sudbury Police Service's work with the North East Local Health Integration Network, the education system, and all thepeople who have contributed to the force's "community policing" effort.

While he leaves behind a number of positive initiatives, Elsnersaid he's leaving with some regret, including the unsolvedmurder of Renee Sweeney, who was stabbed to death on Jan 27, 1998.

"I was really really hoping. The Sweeney homicide is top of mind for us. For everyone of the senior officers in this room, all had a piece of that," Elsner said.

"That's something for our organization that's still pretty raw and it has not been forgotten. I can tell you officers are working on that,continually. I know one day that will happen, I will get a phone call wherever I am [saying] 'it's been solved.'"