(NIAGARA FALLS) – Jen Lawson, Chair of the Niagara Police Services Board, welcomed back Tara McKendrick of the City of Welland to the Police Services Board. Ms. McKendrick was appointed by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario for a further period of three years, effective April 1, 2024. Ms. McKendrick was first appointed to the Board on February 21, 2018.
Ms. McKendrick brings over 25 years of experience in the social services field through participation in various roles throughout Niagara. Born in Hamilton, Ms. McKendrick’s family moved to the Niagara Region in 1984. Ms. McKendrick has a history of volunteer work with Big Sisters, Niagara Victim Services, Distress Centre Niagara and other community agencies. A strong passion for helping others inspired completion of her Bachelor of Arts with Honours in Sociology from Brock University, and subsequently her Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor.
Ms. McKendrick’s employment history has included involvement and collaboration with emergency response services, child protection services, hospital emergency departments and mental health and addictions services. The focus of her roles have been suicide prevention, crisis intervention and resolution, as well as advocacy, awareness and facilitation of curriculum regarding suicide prevention, mental health and addictions. Ms. McKendrick’s career has led to her current role as Executive Director of Canadian Mental Health Association, Niagara Branch. Ms. McKendrick is a long-time resident of Niagara Region and her family is proud to call Welland home.
“I am deeply honoured to continue serving on the Niagara Police Services Board. It is a privilege to work alongside my dedicated colleagues, community partners, and the leadership of the police service, says Ms. McKendrick. “Together, we will continue to foster positive change in policing and improve the safety and wellness of residents in the Niagara Region.”
Board Chair Jen Lawson welcomed Ms. McKendrick’s re-appointment and said, “We’re fortunate that Ms. McKendrick will continue to serve on the Police Services Board. Her re-appointment will ensure continuity to maintain a strong and effective Board as we move forward to address the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. Tara’s exceptional work to support mental health and addictions will continue to help shape policy and provide guidance in promoting mental health and police response to individuals in crisis”, says Chair Lawson.
The Regional Municipality of Niagara Police Services Board is comprised of seven members, three members appointed from Regional Council, one private citizen appointed by Regional Council, and three provincial appointees. It is the civilian governing authority for the Niagara Regional Police Service, the oldest regional police service in Ontario that patrols one of the largest geographical regions. The Niagara Regional Police provides policing and public safety to 12 municipalities totally some 450,000 residents and an estimated 15,000,000 visitors annually.
For further information, contact:
Deb Reid, Executive Director
Niagara Police Services Board
(905) 688-4111 Extension 1006022
