After six and a half years on the job, West Vancouver Chief Const. Len Goerke is turning in his badge.
Goerke officially retires today (Feb. 26) after 34-year-police career.
“I am grateful to have had the opportunity to serve the communities of both West Vancouver and Xwemelch’stn Uxwumixw and I am retiring from policing knowing that the staff and leadership at the WVPD are prepared to provide the highest level of service into the future,” he said announcing his retirement publicly on Thursday. “Policing is a vocation. The passionate staff who make up the West Vancouver police are dedicated to healthy and safe communities for all and an equitable, bias-free policing service for every person. They will no doubt continue to strive and thrive well after I am gone. Thank you to the communities we serve for your support, guidance and counsel.”
Goerke joined the West Vancouver Police Department as chief constable in 2014, having previously been deputy chief of the Abbotsford Police Department. At the time, the West Van’s force was coming out of a tumultuous time of low morale, in part, because of a culture that tolerated bullying, sexual harassment and racism, a leaked report at the time detailed.
In a statement, West Vancouver mayor and chairwoman of the West Vancouver police board Mary-Ann Booth acknowledged Goerke’s accomplishments.
“Len took over as chief constable at a challenging time for the WVPD. During his tenure, he raised the professional standards and reputation of the department, created and implemented an ambitious strategic plan, and earned the respect and admiration of the community,” she said. “As a new mayor and chair, I benefited greatly from his experience, leadership, and guidance. He leaves the department with notable achievements in the areas of diversity and inclusion, restorative justice, and reconciliation.”
The West Vancouver police board has plans to announce the new chief early next week, according to the district.
