April 2025

April 7, 2025

In 2024, a total of 267 authentic firearms were seized by TBPS, compared to 139 in 2023.


Given the increase in prevalence of firearms and their involvement in the commission of violent crime over recent years, when officers respond to situations where a potential firearm may be present, they must assume that the weapon is real and accessible until proven otherwise. 


Break and Enter and Robbery (BEAR) Unit


From Jan. 1, 2024, to early March 2025, the BEAR Unit investigated numerous offences, laid more than 500 charges and made more than 275 arrests.


The BEAR Unit is a specialty unit with unique investigative training. The BEAR Unit was developed to combat the increasing prevalence of break and enters, thefts and robberies. In addition, the BEAR Unit members are often called upon to arrest high-risk suspects wanted on warrants. 


Chat with the Chief – Mark your calendar


Everyone is welcome to “Chat with the Chief” events. These events allow TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury and other leaders to provide updates and answer questions from community members. 


Upcoming events:


Tuesday, April 22 at 6:30 pm                   

BCG Thunder Bay, Windsor Street               


Thursday, May 22 at 6:00 pm (symposium at 5:30)

Waverly Resource Library, Red River Road


Anyone who prefers to submit questions in advance can complete a short, anonymous survey at https://forms.office.com/r/cuPSF5LFrH, Questions for the Chief can be submitted at any time to news@thunderbaypolice.ca.


Balancing High-Stakes Calls with Heartfelt Teamwork


Chantel Randell was looking for a career change where she could have a real impact. Today, as a TBPS 911 Communications Operator, Chantel makes a difference every single shift.


Emergency calls are unpredictable and managing them takes skill. “The ever-changing nature of the work is one of the aspects I truly enjoy,” Chantel says.


Communication and team trust are essential in ensuring callers get the help they need, and first responders receive accurate information. “This is where the strength of our teamwork truly shines,” Chantel says.


“There was one call that took everything we had—our focus, our energy, and our teamwork,” Chantel recalls. After the crisis, the team took time to check in with each other and share a moment of self-care, even sharing ice cream to decompress. “We have each other’s backs. This is what sets us apart.”


April 13 – 19 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, a time to celebrate the dedicated and talented 911 Operators who are essential to emergency responses. Thank you to the valued members of the TBPS Communications team.


Answer the call. Interested in a career as a 911 Operator? The pay is great, and the schedule is 4-on-4-off. To learn more, visit thunderbaypolice.ca/careers.


Updates from the Thunder Bay Police Service Board


In March, the Board reviewed the results of the 2024 Citizens’ Satisfaction and Trust Survey Results for the Thunder Bay Police Service.


A key theme is disparities across demographics, with results noting a substantial difference in how younger and lower-income respondents perceive and experience policing. Overall:


  • The majority of total respondents feel very or somewhat safe in Thunder Bay, and 82% would contact the police if they were a victim of crime or were worried about something.
  • However, 53% of Indigenous respondents say they do not feel safe in Thunder Bay, and 65% would be willing to contact the TBPS if they were the victim of a crime or were worried about something.
  • 68% of total respondents feel that TBPS officers would treat them with respect if they had contact with them for any reason.
  • Of the respondents who had contact with TBPS in the prior 12 months, 77% felt they were treated respectfully to a large extent or to some extent by the officer or staff member.


The top concerns for policing efforts identified by respondents are violence, illegal firearms, and drug-related issues. 

Almost half of respondents want the police to prioritize patrolling neighbourhoods and interacting with residents.


Respondents said that outside of police, efforts to address addictions, mental health, and affordable housing issues play a critical role in improving community safety.


52% of respondents feel “working with diverse people and communities” are the most important police actions required to keep their community safe.

 

Survey results inform ongoing strategic and operational planning. To read the full survey, visit https://thunderbaypsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/Thunder-Bay-Public-Safety-Pulse-Report-2024-corrected.pdf


TBPS Board in the Community


The Thunder Bay Police Service Board was proud to sponsor and participate in the ICTC 35th Annual Powwow at Lakehead University from March 7th-9th.


The full highlights from the March 18th board meeting are available at: https://thunderbaypsb.ca/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/TBPSB-Meeting-Highlights-March-18-2025_Updated.pdf


Coming up for the Board in April:

  • The TBPSB will release its 2025 Q1 Report.


The Board's next meeting is on Tues. April 15th. Watch the meeting LIVE at https://video.isilive.ca/thunderbay/live.html


Update: Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

November 18, 2025
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Police investigating motor vehicle collision involving pedestrian

November 17, 2025
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Tree of Hope Shines Bright in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ People

November 16, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters. Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness. “This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.” Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. “When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.” Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.