Colon named chief of First Nations police service

A new police chief has been appointed for the Manitoba First Nations Police Service, ending a national search for a candidate since the death of the former chief.

Jason Colon was named to the top position on Wednesday. He steps in after serving as interim chief since January.

Colon said he is approaching the role with his eyes focused on the needs of the people he serves.

“As I begin my role as Chief of Police, I am dedicated to promoting modern, community-based policing focused on compassion and cultural awareness,” he said in a news release Wednesday. “Together with our team and partners, we will address public safety needs and support First Nations communities across Manitoba.”

The decision was announced by the Dakota Ojibway Tribal Council Police Commission.

The MFNPS oversees detachments in nearly a dozen First Nation communities across Manitoba.

A swearing-in ceremony will be held at a later date.

The appointment follows a search to replace the late Doug Palson, who was serving as MFNPS chief when he died in a house fire in January. There was nothing to indicate the fire was suspicious, a spokesperson for the Office of the Fire Commissioner of Manitoba told the Sun in March, but added there was insufficient evidence to determine the cause of fire due to extensive damage to the building.

Colon has more than 27 years of policing experience, having held an inspector role with MFNPS and senior and front-line roles with the Blood Tribe Police Service, Dakota Ojibway Police Service and Winnipeg Police Service.

He holds a masters of executive police leadership and a bachelor of policing degree from Charles Sturt University, and has received executive-level training from the Canadian Police College, Edmonton Police Service and Dalhousie University. He also serves on several national and provincial policing boards and committees.

The MFNPS said Wednesday that Colon has provided the service with stability and leadership during a period of transition.

“Jason Colon is dedicated to guiding the Manitoba First Nations Police Service into its next chapter, honouring the wisdom of past leaders while advancing a vision … that supports healing, growth, and the empowerment of First Nations people.”

Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs Grand Chief Kyra Wilson congratulated Colon in a statement on Thursday morning. Wilson said the chief is a good pick as a strong and committed career policeman.

“Chief Colon has shown he is prepared to meet this responsibility with integrity and vision,” she wrote. “His leadership will be vital as we collectively strive to create safer, stronger First Nations for generations to come.”

Wilson said the work ahead requires leadership that understands and respects the cultures of the First Nations being served.

In naming the new chief, the MFNPS also extended an honour to the late chief Palson.

“His spirit of integrity and care continues to guide our service and the communities we serve.”

The announcement comes as the MFNPS prepares to move its headquarters from Portage la Prairie to Brandon. The police service will be relocating to the Waywayseecappo Conference Centre on Highway 10 north of Brandon, with the new office expected to be operational by Oct. 1.

» cmcdowell@brandonsun.com