Morden will have a new face in the police chief’s office later this year with the announcement last week of Brad Neduzak’s retirement.
Brad Neduzak began his career in policing in 1985, and he was appointed chief in 2000
Stepping aside from the role will initially feel as strange to Neduzak as it will be for the community which has become so accustomed to him being the police chief.
“It’s going to be strange in a lot of ways. This is kind of my second home,” said Neduzak. “It’s going to be a very big change, but I think still keeping busy will be the key with everything.”
He aims to ease into the transition rather than a cold abrupt stop, and he gave his notice back in April but will remain on the job until the end of September.
“I just wanted to give enough notice so that they had time to run the process,” he said.
Neduzak officially announced his retirement from the Morden Police Service after 40 years of dedicated service to the community.
He began his career in policing in 1985, and he was appointed chief in 2000, and under his guidance, the Morden Police Service has grown into a respected and community-focused organization.
For Neduzak, also turning 60 in April made it feel like the combination of the two milestones made it seem like a good time to step aside.
“It’s certainly not an easy decision. You would think after this many years, 40 years, that it would be pretty simple,” he said. “I think it’s just time to move on and to have someone else take up the reigns.
“It’s been an incredible career in Morden and having been able to serve here my entire time is something very special to me.”
Neduzak noted how serving with the police service and especially as chief has been much more than just a job or a career.
“Moreso in a smaller community, you are so much more involved and connected to a and everything in the community.”
He also noted how much policing has changed over his four decades of service.
“It’s incredible … starting back then with only four constables, five members when I started to now with a staff of 21,” said Neduzak.
“And with all the things that we are able to do now and move forward with like the specialized units and training that we started over the years here, things have changed and expanded so much.
“It’s always for the community. All of these things that we do are to help keep our community safer,” he concluded. “We hope that we meet that goal in keeping everybody safe and that everybody feels safe.”
A social media post by the City of Morden paid tribute to Neduzak.
“Throughout his career, chief Neduzak has been known for his steady leadership and deep care for the well-being of both the officers under his command and the residents of Morden. His approach to community policing has strengthened public trust and built meaningful relationships between the police and the citizens they serve.
“As he embarks on this new chapter, we thank chief Neduzak for his outstanding service, exemplary leadership and lifelong dedication to public safety. His legacy will leave a lasting impact on our community and the policing profession.”
