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Calling it “the worst-kept secret” at Regina Police Service (RPS) headquarters, Chief Troy Hagen has announced his retirement.
It brings to an end an over 37-year career, that began with a shiny police car toy and a dream at the age of five of becoming an officer.
Promising not to get tearful, Hagen at times struggled to find the words as he explained it was simply “time to go”.
Beginning his career as a simple patrol officer, Hagen worked his way through the ranks in numerous units. His work took him to crime prevention, school resources, the drug section, criminal investigation and stolen autos. Hagen was one of the founding officers of the auto theft strategy which resulted in a reduction in car thefts.
In 2001, Hagen became an inspector followed every two years with another promotion to district inspector, superintendent, deputy and then chief eight years ago.
Describing his time as coming with ups and downs, he thanked his fellow officers and community for “the opportunity to serve”.
But Hagen hopes that he has left RPS in a better position than when he took the top job and believes the organization is in good shape.
“I’ve tried to bring within the organization a sense of teamwork and cohesiveness,” he explained. “It is a good team with a capital T; it isn’t the work of one person.”
Hagen is not rushing his exit. His last day will officially be August, but likely he will be off the job by the end of June.
He has no plans for the future, apart from taking some time for himself and experiencing some retirement at the cabin.
Likely he will be shopping, joking that he needs new golf clubs and skis. He was told by a local shop, “your skis are really old”.
Several high-ranking RPS officers were on hand to hear the announcement, along with Hagen’s family.
Regina Mayor Michael Fougere calls Hagen “a tremendous asset” and described losing him as bittersweet.
“I’m happy for him, he deserves his time in retirement. He is a great man and a great leader.”
A nationwide search for Hagen’s replacement will now begin.
Hagen calls it “the worst kept secret in @reginapolice history” having made the decision last fall. #yqr
— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) April 14, 2016
Hagen said he wouldn’t do it, but is struggling to get his words out as, with tears in his eyes, he begins his “thank yous”. #yqr
— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) April 14, 2016
Thanking his family, his deputies, fellow officers and he maintains, the community, and “the opportunity to serve #yqr“.
— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) April 14, 2016
Hagen says he wanted to be a police officer from the age of 5 when he would religiously clean his toy police car. #yqr
— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) April 14, 2016
Hagen believes @reginapolice is in a good shape going forward and progress has been made. “It is a good team, with a capital T.” #yqr
— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) April 14, 2016
Hagen’s retirement might include golf and skiing, although he’s been told his skis are “really old”. #yqr
— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) April 14, 2016
Mayor Fougere calls Hagen a “joy to work with”, and he will miss him. #yqr pic.twitter.com/7hP8LgJOdZ
— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) April 14, 2016
Fougere thanks Hagen for his service & a police force that’s stronger than when he started. Crime rates down & it starts “top down”. #yqr
— Sarah Mills (@smillsSK) April 14, 2016