Moose Jaw Chief of Police Publicly Announces Retirement
On September 11, 2024, at a Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners meeting, Moose Jaw Police Service Chief Rick Bourassa publicly announced he will be retiring in 2025 after 45 years in policing.
Bourassa was hired as the Moose Jaw Police Service Chief on October 4, 2013, after a 31-year career with the Regina Police Service, and a short stint with the Government of Saskatchewan.
“It is with mixed emotions that I make this decision to retire,” says Chief Bourassa. “I have been grateful to have been in policing for so many years, to have worked with so many exceptional people, and to have been welcomed by the amazing community of Moose Jaw. After a lengthy career, it is time to move into the next chapter of life and whatever that may hold. Thank you,”
During his tenure with both the Moose Jaw Police Service and Regina Police Service, Bourassa served in a number of municipal, provincial, and national capacities such as:
- President of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police
- Board of Directors Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police
- Chair of the Provincial Executive Committee of Criminal Intelligence Services Saskatchewan
- National Executive Committee of Criminal Intelligence Services Canada
Additionally, during his career, Chief Bourassa achieved his Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology from Queen’s University, and his Master’s Degree in Public Administration from the Johnson Shoyama Graduate School of Public Policy, University of Regina.
Chief Bourassa was also invested as a member and officer of the Order of Merrit of the Police Services.
Chair of the Moose Jaw Board of Police Commissioners commented on Chief Bourassa’s retirement announcement.
“As Chair of the Moose Jaw Police Commission on behalf of my colleagues, I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Chief Bourassa for his exceptional 11 years of leadership in our community and 45 years of dedicated service in law enforcement,” stated Froese. “His commitment to public safety and the well-being of Moose Jaw has been unwavering. We wish him the very best in his well-deserved retirement and thank him for his contributions to our city.”
“As we look to fill this essential role, the board members of the Police Commission will be working to ensure we find the right candidate who shares our dedication to the safety and security of Moose Jaw. The skillset required for this role extends beyond policing expertise to include strengths in community building, communication, and public engagement. This is a critical position, and we are committed to finding a leader who will continue to build on Chief Bourassa’s legacy while fostering trust, support, and collaboration within our community,” explains Froese
In January, when the new Board of Police Commissioners is appointed, Chief Bourassa will identify an official retirement date.
