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Medicine Hat Chief of Police to resign

May 23, 2022 | 2:24 PM

MEDICINE HAT, AB – Medicine Hat police Chief Mike Worden has notified the Medicine Hat Police Commission and its members of his intention to resign as chief of police due to personal reasons. The Medicine Hat Police Service made the announcement via social media Monday afternoon.

“We fully respect his decision and will immediately start a search [for] his replacement. We thank Chief Worden and wish him the best in his future endeavours,” the police service said in a tweet.

Chief Worden also issued a statement, saying, “After great consideration, I have made the difficult decision to retire as Chief of Police for personal and family reasons. It was a great honour to lead this organization for the last 1.5 yrs.”

“I am confident the Medicine Hat Police Commission will chose (sic) an effective leader to help guide the Service into the future. I want to thank the men and women of the MHPS for their dedication and professionalism and the community for their unwavering support.”

Born in Edmonton but raised in Medicine Hat, Worden became chief of police back in January 2021 after serving a 25-year career with the Calgary Police Service, rising to the rank of superintendent. Worden was selected by the police commission after an extensive national search was conducted to replace former police chief and current city councillor Andy McGrogan.

Insp. Joe West has been appointed acting police chief until a permanent replacement is found.