Retired Medicine Hat police inspector Tim McGough has been named the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Ontario Legislature. - SUBMITTED PHOTO
cgallant@medicinehatnews.com@CollinGallant
Retired Medicine Hat police inspector Tim McGough has been named the Sergeant-at-Arms of the Ontario Legislature, a position that goes well beyond the prestigious ceremonial title and is responsible for all security operations at Queen’s Park.
The 31-year veteran of the local service will manage of a staff of 100 officers and administrators, including investigations and armed response units, and draw up protocols and plan for special events.
“It’s essentially tasked with ensuring the safety and security for the legislative precinct,” said McGough, who starts the position in the Ontario capital city of Toronto on June 19.
His selection, by an all-party committee of legislators, was announced this week.
“I feel very privileged and honoured and excited about the new role,” McGough told the News, citing his work experience in Medicine Hat as crucial to securing the high-profile position.
He’ll miss Medicine Hat, he said, but feels a sense of duty drew him to the new job.
“Really, I’m very much looking forward to getting to work and serving the legislature of Ontario and the people of Ontario,” said McGough, a native of Cumbria in northern England. He began his policing career in the British Army in the Royal Military Police before emigrating.
“Canada is a wonderful country, with wonderful people, and great opportunities,” he said. “I’m always had a passion for policing, and when I came to Canada I fell in love. I’m very grateful for to the city of Medicine Hat for letting me live that dream.”
He spent two years on exercise at CFB Suffield in the early 1980s before deciding to emigrate to the province. After studying criminology at Mount Royal College, he became a special constable with Medicine Hat Police Service, eventually working heavily in the organized crime unit.
He rose to become a tactical team commander and incident commander before joining the office of the police chief as an inspector tasked with organizational, policy and strategic planning.
He also holds a Masters Degree from the University of Portsmouth.
His former boss, retired chief and now city councillor Andy McGrogan gave McGough a ringing endorsement for the new job.
“We came up together and I knew that I wanted him as an inspector when I became chief,” said McGrogan, adding that McGough is “a heckuva worker, a great leader, detail oriented and would do well anywhere.”
“He’ll do great job,” added McGrogan. “I’m really happy for him.”
Another former colleague, MP Glen Motz, signaled his support for McGough as well.
“It’s great for Tim and good for Medicine Hat,” said the former MHPS inspector.
The release announcing McGough’s hiring states that “The Sergeant-at-Arms is responsible for coordinating security through the direction of the Legislative Protective Service and overseeing building management through the Precinct Properties Branch. The role also includes ceremonial services on behalf of the Ontario Legislative Assembly.”
