Nick Manouris was sworn in as a South Simcoe Police Constable by Ontario Justice Jonathan Bliss, during Wednesday morning’s meeting of the Bradford West Gwillimbury-Innisfil Police Services Board. Justice Bliss attended via Zoom.
The ceremony, held in the South Division’s Frank Jonkman Community Room, was a kind of homecoming for Manouris.
Manouris grew up in the Barrie area, where his family still resides, and is a graduate of Georgian College’s Police Foundations program. Since 2018, he has served on the front lines of the Toronto Police Service.
The move to South Simcoe Police brings him closer to family, and home.
Justice Bliss explained the oath of duty as an acceptance of responsibility. “That responsibility now becomes your commitment to the people of this community, which is your community,” the Justice said. “You know that whether people are victims of crime, accused of a crime… your actions might very well have the capacity to change their lives.”
At the end of the brief ceremony, PC Manouris was congratulated by both PSB members, and members of his own family, who watched the proceedings online.
“Welcome. I know you’ve chosen South Simcoe for a number of reasons,” said Board Chair Chris Gariepy. “We look forward to the future – your future.”
In response to an inquiry by the Board, Police Chief Andrew Fletcher indicated that the new constable may be assigned to the Bradford division, depending on an assessment of staffing needs.
The hiring is part of approved 2022 Police budget, which will see South Simcoe Police add nine sworn officers and two Civilian staff this year.