2019 York Regional Police (YRP)
Tom Carrique commenced his career with York Regional Police in 1990, working in roles such as Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Organized Crime and Intelligence, Investigative Services, Support Services, and Staff Services. In 2011, he was promoted to the Rank of Deputy Chief and has commanded the Administration, Operations and Investigations, and Support branches of the organization.
Deputy Chief Carrique holds a certificate in terrorism studies from Scotland’s University of St. Andrews and is a graduate of the National Policing Improvement Agency's International Commanders Program in the United Kingdom and the United States Department of Justice Drug Unit Commanders Academy. Among numerous other professional achievements, Tom earned a masters’ degree in leadership and training, with a specialty in justice and public safety from Royal Roads University. Commendable awards include Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee Medal, the Ontario Premier's Award of Excellence for Fighting Crime, and the Governor General's Police Exemplary Service Medal. He has also been appointed by the Governor General of Canada as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces and a Member (SBStJ) of the Order of St. John.
Policing and volunteering were in Tom’s veins early on, inspired greatly by his father, an Auxiliary (volunteer) Police Officer who worked many nights and weekends when Tom was a boy. His father’s passion for policing, dedication to duty, and sense of responsibility for the safety of his community exemplifies how Tom lives his life. It is no wonder that Tom strongly believes that our actions must speak louder than our words. Constantly searching for the best in others, he encourages everyone to get involved in volunteer opportunities to find greater meaning in life and experience personal growth, driving us all to do and be better.
Grateful for so many memorable moments he’s experienced through volunteering, Tom shares a few that stand out to him. Witnessing the joy of Special Olympians and their families through their participation in the Special Olympics is always truly touching, as is watching first responders and soldiers use their lived experience to assist others facing post traumatic and operational stress challenges, empowered by the healing and strength they’ve reacquired through Wounded Warriors Canada. And yet another includes taking part in the demanding four-day Canadian Police Memorial Ride to Remember where officers not only donate bicycles to under-resourced families, they engage with them and teach them how to ride their new bikes.
Leading by example is inherent for Tom. He says that giving of our time, attention, and talents to improve the quality of life for the most vulnerable members of society means our entire community benefits and we create a better and brighter future for all. Effective April 8th, 2019, Deputy Chief Carrique will become the Commissioner of the Ontario Provincial Police.