By: Matt Weingarden , Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, Lakeshore News Reporter
A retired LaSalle police officer has combined his interest with local history and his knowledge of local police services into a book 12 years in the making.
David Dean, who spent 35 years with Sandwich West Township and LaSalle, has published his first book highlighting the history of police services across the region.
Recently, he held a book signing and information session hosted by the Maidstone Bicentennial Museum for residents interested in learning more.
Dean is a history buff and when he retired in 2013 he decided to take on the role of author documenting the history of policing services. His interest in policing history when he attended police college in 1980 when he had to chance to visit their library.
“I had an interest in pursuing this project and upon retiring. I said to my wife, I think I’d like to write a book about this history,” said Dean. “There is no other documented history in one book about the area services and I decided to take on the task.”
Dean’s family history in policing goes back to when his late father was a Windsor and Riverside officer for 30 plus years. His son is also an OPP officer with 20 years behind him.
“Nowadays, history doesn’t seem to mean a lot to the younger generations, so, I thought if I don’t do this no one else will,” he said.
He expected the writing process would be completed in a couple years – however, it took a little longer to research and compile.
“I think I bit off a bit more than I could chew,” he laughed. “The book is almost 300 pages which covers around 30 different departments.
Some of the highlighted departments include Comber, Peche Island, Sandwich, East Windsor, Riverside and Ford City. The OPP was established in 1909.
There is even a mention of a force that was stationed on Boblo Island.
“Way back then, many smaller municipalities didn’t have their own department, Essex County officers policed different areas on a ‘as needed basis’ and wore many hats. Policing then was usually a second job for many offers who held other day jobs…like farming.” Dean explained.
Dean is an avid collector of memorabilia that includes insignia patches and badges.
He maintains that he was adamant to keep all aspects of writing and publishing local.
“Essentially, it’s a DYI project…I’m selling the books myself and sharing to police websites across the country,” said Dean. “Being a niche market, it’s all about ‘word of mouth’ to move these books.”
He says reaction so far has been very positive and to date has sold around 250 books, including one in England and a number in Western Canada.
You can purchase a copy of Dean’s book at www.mikestoltz.com, who helped compile the book.
Be the first to comment