Regina police remember former Chief Troy Hagen as leader and mentor

Former Regina Police Chief Troy Hagen is being remembered as a leader who valued people, relationships and community service.

Hagen died on July 31 at the age of 67.

He was born in Regina on Feb. 21, 1958, and he served with the Regina Police Service for 37 years, including eight years as chief from 2008 to 2016.

Acting Chief Lorilee Davies said Hagen’s leadership style stood out with his calm approach and focus on solutions.

“There wasn’t one single grievance, and it was just really his ability to listen, get a sense of what an issue was, and then work towards resolutions,” Davies said.

Acting Chief Lorilee Davies speaks to reporters about the passing of retired Chief Troy Hagen at Regina Police Service headquarters on Aug. 7, 2025. (Jacob Bamhour/980 CJME)

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Before becoming chief, Hagen served as president of the Regina Police Association for eight years. Davies said that experience gave him a unique perspective and helped foster harmony between management and the union.

She credits Hagen with negotiating a 12-hour shift rotation that’s now a standard for many police services in the province, as well as improved pension benefits for members.

She said he worked to make sure officers had a good work-life balance and a secure retirement.

Hagen was also known for his commitment to community safety initiatives. Davies points to Regina’s intersectoral partnership, now known as TriP, as a program Hagen helped launch that’s still running today. The multi-agency effort brings police, schools, social services, probation officers and health workers together to support youth at acutely elevated risk.

“That is something that we certainly credit to his leadership back in the day, and it’s been running all that time, and we think about how many youth have a better outcome because of that work,” she said.

“It’s really incredible.”

Hagen also volunteered with organizations like the Circle Project and used his role to support community causes. Davies said Hagen believed in using the influence of his position to make the city safer and more inclusive.

On a personal level, Davies said Hagen was a mentor to her. She recalls attending her first police union meeting as a rookie, which was Hagen’s last as the association’s president.

“His ability to be passionate and hold a room is something that sticks in my mind,” she said.

One of his final acts before retiring was promoting several officers to inspectors, including Davies. She later had the opportunity to work with him again when he assisted with contract negotiations for the city’s board of police commissioners.

Hagen’s leadership extended beyond Regina. He served as president of the Saskatchewan Association of Chiefs of Police and sat on the board of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police.

Davies said his death is being felt across the province and the country. She said it’s too early to know how the service will formally honour his legacy, but believes continuing the programs and values he championed will be part of it.

“He could have a conversation with anyone, and you would just feel like you were best friends,” Davies said.

A private gathering will be held at a later date to celebrate Hagen’s life. Instead of flowers, donations may be made to the Allan Blair Cancer Centre, the United Way or a charity of your choice.