The City of Toronto is getting a new and hopefully more progressive police chief in December.

The Toronto Police Service has appointed  32-year veteran Myron Demkiw as its new chief of police.

Demkiw, who is well-respected by rank and file officers, is an acting Deputy Chief in charge of the Specialized Operations Command and is a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.

He rose from the front lines of 14 Division in downtown Toronto working on street, gangs and gun crimes. He assumes command on December 19 after a three-month transition period, the force said.

Superintendent Demkiw oversaw more than 1,200 police officers, over 900 civilian members and managed a budget of $240 million. He will soon lead the largest municipal police force in Canada.

Retiring Interim Chief James Ramer will lead the 7,600 member force until a transition is complete.

Ramer replaced former police Chief Mark Saunders in 2020 on an interim basis after Saunders’ resignation.

“I wish to extend my gratitude to Chief Ramer and to the dedicated Members of the Toronto Police Service who are committed to the safety and well-being of our great city,” Demkiw said in a statement.

“At this time, our organization is grieving the loss of Constable Andrew Hong, and while I wish to thank the Toronto Police Services Board for their trust and confidence and extend my gratitude to my colleagues, both sworn and civilian, I will reserve further comment at this time, out of respect for Constable Hong, his family and our Members.”

TPS board chair Jim Hart said Demkiw “possesses extensive operational policing experience to keep our city, its residents, and its visitors safe.”

Hart said the board found the candidate with the qualities communities had asked for: “a dedicated public servant and relationship-builder, committed to building and enhancing trust with the diverse communities we serve.”

Mayor John Tory said Demkiw is a respected expert in community safety and well-being, and in gun and gang violence prevention.

“I know he will bring a focus on confronting gun and gang violence to his new role, along with a determined commitment to keeping our city as one of the safest major cities in the world,” Tory said.