MOOSE JAW — A new police chief at Moose Jaw headquarters means the acting chief will return to his position as the deputy chief, while a new executive assistant will have to be hired.
During the Board of Police Commissioners’ Aug. 20 meeting, Acting Chief Rick Johns announced that he would return to his original position as deputy chief once Robert Davis started as the new chief on Friday, Aug. 29.
Furthermore, Johns pointed out that Lori Anderson, the executive assistant and board recording secretary, had retired on July 31 after 45 years “of exemplary service” with the agency.
“In true fashion, Lori insisted on transitioning into retirement without any fanfare; however, I would be remiss not to publicly acknowledge her here today for her years of dedication,” he said, noting she was a humble person who wanted to quietly “ride off into the sunset” and start a new chapter of life.
Anderson began with the Moose Jaw Police Service on Aug. 1, 1980, and worked in several positions over the decades, including the last 25 years of her career as the executive assistant to the chief. She likely supported eight chiefs during that nearly quarter-century — and served under more during those five decades.
“Lori was truly the backbone of current and past MJPS executive teams. Her strict attention to detail and unparalleled organizational skills kept us running as efficiently as possible,” Johns continued. “She truly understood her role and strictly adhered to confidentiality, accuracy and professionalism.”
The acting chief noted that Anderson leaves with plenty of corporate memory, while he joked that she also took with her “the lost art of shorthand” notetaking — an ability he never understood — that the board also humorously discussed during the meeting.
Johns noted that he appreciated Anderson’s efforts in supporting him as deputy chief and, since November 2024, as acting chief.
“She will be missed,” he added.
Said Mayor James Murdock, board chairman, “I know it is our loss, but it is a new beginning for Lori and (her husband) Mac. Good for them.” He later described her as a “tremendous asset” who worked quietly in the background, while he “was in awe” at her shorthand notetaking as well.
The mayor also thanked Johns for filling in as acting chief, saying he “went above and beyond” in that role.
During a media scrum afterward, Johns said he enjoyed his time as acting chief, working with the board, and the level of support the Commissioners provided.
“It’s been a great learning experience for me … . I do look forward to the new chief coming and supporting the new chief … in his role,” he said. “And, maybe me getting back to my old desk and taking care of some unfinished business that’s kind of been sitting on the side of my desk for a while.”
The role of deputy chief is operational-focused, as there are certain areas — project management, crisis response unit, critical incident commanders, infrastructure, communications, IT, records, facilities and fleet equipment — the person must oversee for the chief, he pointed out.
Meanwhile, as chief, that person must look at “the big picture” inside and outside the organization.
“That’s been refreshing for me to get out into the community and liaise and talk to some of our community members and our business owners … and get that other look,” said Johns, before joking that there weren’t many perks to being the chief.
“I’ve been deputy chief since 2018, so this was a bit of a nice change of pace for me for a while,” he added. “And it was a good time.”
The next Board of Police Commissioners’ meeting is Wednesday, Sept. 17.
