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att Torigian had only held the Mjub as Waterloo Region‘s police chief for a couple of minutes and he was already talking about expanding the force. But he wasn‘t proposing hiring more staff. Instead, the new chief said he wants the force to look to the commuâ€" nity and create greater partnerships. Torigian, a 22â€"year veteran on the force, took the reins from outgoing chief Larry Gravill in a changeâ€"ofâ€"command ceremony at Bingeman‘s conference centre in Kitchener last week. The ceremony included a changeâ€"of â€"command parade by 150 uniformed officers, music from the Waterloo Regional Police Service Concert Band and an inspection of the troops by both Gravill and his replacement. After signing an oath of service, Toriâ€" gian laid out his priorities for the force in a speech to the hundreds of officers, dignitaries and civilians assembled. Torigian, who said being named the chief was both an honour and humâ€" bling, pledged to build on the foundaâ€" tions that Gravill laid in his 15 years as chief, especially in the area of commuâ€" nity policing. New police chief takes over command "1 have cause to believe our future is bright," Torigian said. "And our future has been paved by the extraordinary leadership of Larry Gravill." He compared the polices‘ work of keeping citizens safe to a barn raising: neighbours from all walks of life must work together in order to do a job. "We do not stand alone in keeping the community a safe place," he said.. And because of the coâ€"operative nature of policing, the new chief wants to create even stronger ties to the comâ€" munity. oldies309D conestoan mau. By GrEo MacDonain Chronicle Staff New police Chief Matt Torigian receives congratulations from the chair of the police services board, Tom Galloway, last week. sars macbonaLp moto ture of planning, expertise and accountâ€" _ leader or chief has the respect of the ability." * rank and file," he said. On that note, the force will look to community experts to create partnerâ€" ships and leadership on sensitive and important issues, he said. Aside from community policing, Torigian also wants to focus on the use of technology in the force. â€" He wants the force to be on the cutâ€" ting edge and seek out intelligent colâ€" laborations to bring new technologies to the police service. This policy is one of the reasons Toriâ€" gian was hired for the job, said Tom Galâ€" loway, chair of the police services board. "Some of his key areas of interest are technology and information technoloâ€" gy," Galloway said. "(Torigian} will cerâ€" tainly look to enhance that side of the system." s S The main quality that made Torigian stand out as a candidate was the respect he has from the officers and staff of the force, Galloway said. May Court C lab AW it‘¢) rax Galloway also had kind words for the outgoing chief. "(Gravill) has a wellâ€" deserved reputation as one of Canada‘s most prominent police leaders. He has made sure the foundations are strong to go forward," he said. _ As for Gravill, the now former chief said he had mixed feelings about leavâ€" ing. _ 0_ Do . some sadness," he said. "I‘m pleased and proud of the turnout here today, and 1 think Matt Torigian is wellâ€"qualified to take over," he added. And even though he will no longer be heading up the force, he plans to be active in the community and around the house. "I have a couple more meetings and ceremonial events, but next week I‘ll probably just conâ€" tinue some projâ€" i. m "It‘s an odd sense of elation and Eioi Nee en e it V N Nee e en entnntt OB 900 Victoria St. North, IKMichaner @esde Te ttoturg _ [ WRRMK 519.571.0550 Ip ons _ Montny Nontay $4. WeinendiayPsty $4, utd 400. Saminy 12420 l" ""/" www.factoryflooring.701.com . eem Have a Safe and Happy Holiday... from David MacLeod, Funeral Director Margaret Kittel, Funeral Director Lezlie Cunningham, Receptionist * Reception Facility _ * Newly Expanded * Formal Chapel * Ample Parking : E , ()? )David MacLeod Funeral Home Limited Locally owned and operated 617 King St. N. Waterloo _ 519â€"888â€"7700 Saturday, December 22,â€"10°am â€" 2 pm o2 CITRUS TRUCKLOAD SALE 20 ib BOX of FLORIDA | _ Seediess Navel Oranges or Ruby Red Grapefruit Antique WarehOu8e (beside St. Jacobs Market) WATERLOO CHRONICLE + Wednesday, December 19 y7€ Ee trgs $20.00 | 7+5 2007