Toronto Police Supt. Ron Taverner will be the next Ontario Provincial Police Commissioner.
The provincial government announced Thursday that Taverner will take over the post on December 17th, in a policing career that began back in 1967.
He's currently Unit Commander of three divisions within TPS and was awarded the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2009.
"There are few people who will leave behind a legacy so rich in community service as Ron Taverner," TPS Chief Mark Saunders said in a release. "I wish him every success as he begins a new chapter with the Ontario Provincial Police."
Along with Saunders, Taverner's appointment comes with endorsements from the Police Association of Ontario and the Ontario Provincial Police Association.
But NEWSTALK1010 Public Safety Analyst and former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis said while he's a fan of Taverner as a person, he thinks the government made the wrong decision.
"The OPP has detachments that are bigger than 23 Division, the OPP has 300-plus municipalities that it polices and 175 police stations," Lewis said. "Nice guy, but who is ready to take that on? I was exhausted after four years doing it and I'd been in the OPP my entire career."
"It's mind-boggling and if you don't know anything about it and Ron doesn't, in fairness, nor do I know anything about running 23 Division, I think it's a recipe for disaster and I think the government and the premier have made a huge mistake."
Taverner will serve a term of up to three years.
With files from CTV Toronto