Longtime West Vancouver Police Department officer John Lo has been promoted to chief constable. West Vancouver Mayor Mary-Ann Booth, who also chairs the police board, made the announcement Monday.
Chief Const. Lo first joined the West Vancouver police in 1995. He’s replacing retired chief constable Len Goerke, who officially turned in his badge on Feb. 26 after a 34-year career.
After joining the force as a reserve constable in ’95, Lo has worked in patrol, surveillance, records, major crime investigations units, professional standards, operations, and administration, as well as for a stint with the Vancouver Police Homicide Team.
In October 2020, Lo was promoted to the rank of deputy chief constable.
“I am honoured and humbled to take on this important role for the West Vancouver community,” stated Lo, in a news release. “I look forward to building strong relationships with our diverse partners and stakeholders while supporting all of our staff during these times of rapid change.”
Booth said she was pleased to announce that Lo had been selected as the new chief constable after an extensive, nationwide search.
“The board and I sought a chief who would be a collaborative leader, a critical thinker, and most importantly, a person who believes in meaningful community engagement. John Lo possesses those qualities, understands the unique nature of West Vancouver, and cares deeply for the sworn and civilian members that provide the service residents value,” stated Booth.
Along with Lo’s more than two decades of police experience, primarily with West Vancouver police, he is also the first internal promotion to the top spot in 17 years, according to the release.
Among his priorities, Lo will be responsible for leading the development of the police department’s 2022-2026 strategic plan.
