Fiona Wilson has been named the new top cop in Victoria and Esquimalt.
Wilson, currently one of three deputy chiefs at the Vancouver Police Department, will take on her new role as chief constable of the Victoria police on Aug. 15.
Chief Const. Del Manak is scheduled to retire on Aug. 31, allowing the leadership a two-week transition.
The Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board said it made the “unanimous decision” to hire Wilson after a comprehensive national search.
Wilson brings more than 26 years of experience to VicPD. She has served in leadership roles overseeing the Vancouver department’s investigation division, the combined forces special enforcement unit, court and detention services, federal serious and organized crime, major crimes and professional standards.
“I am honoured to be selected as the next chief constable of the VicPD,” Wilson said in a statement on Wednesday.
“I am deeply committed to serving the communities of Victoria and Esquimalt with transparency, integrity and compassion. I believe in the power of collaborative policing, grounded in service to both the public and our dedicated sworn members and civilian professionals. Together, we will continue building a safer, more inclusive, and respectful environment for all.”
The police board said Wilson is recognized for her ability to lead in complex environments while balancing community safety and well being with financial acumen and operational effectiveness.
“Deputy Chief Wilson has led progressive change throughout her policing career, grounded in community needs, fiscal responsibility and critical values,” Esquimalt Mayor and VicPD board member Barb Desjardins said in a statement.
Victoria Mayor Marianne Alto called Wilson an impressive leader with skills well suited to the demands of Victoria and Esquimalt. “She is the right choice for our communities now,” Alto said in a statement.
Micayla Hayes, chair of the Victoria and Esquimalt Police Board, said Wilson stood out among a “rich field of candidates and impressed us with her vision for supporting both VicPD sworn members and civilian professionals while strengthening trust and safety in the communities of Victoria and Esquimalt.”
Wilson is married and has three children.
Manak started his policing career in Vancouver and joined VicPD in 1993. He was promoted to chief constable in 2016.
