For some people, the music, hairstyles, and clothing of 1985 are a part of history. For others, distant memories. For Brad Neduzak, the police chief of Morden Police Service, it was the year he stepped into the force.
Now, after four decades of serving and shaping the community, Chief Neduzak has announced his retirement.
The time has come
When it comes to the decision, Chief Neduzak says “it’s that time.”
“It's been an incredible career, and I'm just so pleased to be able to have started and finished out my career — all 40 years — right here in an incredible community working with some very, very dedicated people within the service and within the city organization,” he says. “It's been incredible.”
For the police chief, taking on the role as the leader of the organization in 2000 was “extremely humbling.” He says that he was also nervous, but that the support he has received over the years has helped.
He’s thankful for it.
“[It’s] very much appreciated and made my job a lot easier,” he says.
Being a part of change over the years
Throughout Chief Neduzak’s long career, he has been afforded the opportunity to witness the Morden Police Service's development and evolution. He’s also seen the beginnings that mark the force’s growth.
“It's a delicate balancing act between enforcement and going beyond just enforcing the laws and arresting and charging people — it's trying to help people and getting them the help that they need.”
-Chief Brad Neduzak on his career.
“When I started in 1985, there were five members here, and now we have a staff of twenty-one,” he says.
“The changes [span from] simple things like the training that was offered to members back then compared to now, and also changes in technology ... in the equipment that we use today.”
Chief Neduzak has not only witnessed the development process.
He has also been actively involved in it.
“I am very proud to have been able to be part of those changes and bring what is needed for our officers to do their jobs better, safer on the street and to make it safer for our community,” he says.
The police chief is especially proud of his work in developing the Morden Police Service’s programs that “help keep the community safe,” including the K-9 Unit, tactical team, negotiators’ team, and the recent introduction of a community resource officer.
“One of the items in our strategic plan is making Morden the safest community in Manitoba, and we really try to work on that and ensure that our decisions each and every day will help to make our community safe and make people feel safe,” he says.
‘A kind of balancing act’
The concern and care that Chief Neduzak shows toward the community are apparent in both the programs that he has helped shape and the philosophy he holds for his career.
“It's a delicate balancing act between enforcement and going beyond just enforcing the laws and arresting and charging people — it's trying to help people and getting them the help that they need,” he says.
“I think I have the best crew working with me here today. If it weren’t for them, I don't think I would have been here this long. They're such a dedicated group of individuals. It’s more than a job to them — it’s a lifestyle.”
-Chief Brad Neduzak on the team that surrounds him.
“Sometimes people are just down and out and need a break and need some supports, and that is something we can provide, especially in a smaller community where we can step up and go a little beyond what our job requirements are to try and help out.”
The role of a strong team
Another factor that is essential to Chief Neduzak when he reflects on his career is the team that surrounds him.
It’s a good one.
“I think I have the best crew working with me here today. If it weren’t for them, I don't think I would have been here this long. They're such a dedicated group of individuals. It’s more than a job to them — it’s a lifestyle,” he says.
Related stories:
- MLA Carrie Hiebert honours Winkler and Morden Police Chiefs at Manitoba Legislature
- Prestigious medal ceremony honours local community contributors
- 40 years and 1 medal: Career-defining achievements align for Morden police chief
According to Chief Neduzak, the team members go above and beyond.
“Because we're just not big enough yet to have designated programs, these individuals step up and provide extra services ... on top of their regular scheduled duties," he says.
"Each one of them is giving it their all every shift.”
The police chief notes that team members are also involved in the community in other ways, such as through sports and schools, because they have families in Morden themselves.
“They really put a lot of time and effort above their regular work hours to make our community better, and I’m very proud of all the work that they do and their accomplishments,” he says. “I have been very fortunate to be surrounded by some very good people.”
‘Be available’
Armed with the knowledge and experience that 40 years brings, Chief Neduzak has some friendly advice for his successor.
The first thing he notes is that whoever takes over after the police chief “has a good group” behind them.
Beyond that, Chief Neduzak advises becoming well-acquainted with Morden.
“Get involved in the community as much as possible and know the people and listen to what the people would like in the community,” he says. “You can't always do everything that they want and change things, but it's important to listen. Be available.”
Chief Neduzak says that not everyone may like a career that is “24 hours a day, 7 days a week,” but in his view, it’s what makes the difference.
“Especially in a community our size and the service our size,” he says. “Being successful in your job is being part of the community and listening to what people want.”
A high standard of professionalism
As for legacy, Chief Neduzak says he hopes that his involves the professionalism with which the Morden Police Service operates.
“A lot of us sit on provincial and federal committees and to hear them speak of Morden and what we have accomplished and we are where we are at — there’s pride hearing [that we’ve] brought our service along to a very professional level ... through the training and through the technology and equipment and the standards that we that we live up to today,” he says.
What will retirement look like?
Now that Chief Neduzak has a successful career behind him, it’s time to think about what will occupy his retirement.
The police chief suspects it will be “very busy.”
“I know our kids are looking forward to already booking me to come and help in renovations in their homes, so for the first little while, I’ll be kept very busy at home doing little projects that maybe fell by the wayside over the years because there's not always enough time,” he says.
“I've heard so many people say you're going to be busier than when you're working in retirement, and that probably will be true.”
Although Chief Neduzak will no longer be in the recognizable role he has held for the past decades, he nonetheless plans to continue being a part of the city in which he has been instrumental for so long.
“[I plan to] keep giving back to a community that has given me and my family so much,” he says.
With files from Robyn Wiebe