The Regional Municipality of Niagara Police Service Board is pleased to announce the appointment of the inaugural Board of Directors for the newly established Niagara Regional Police Foundation, a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to support crime prevention and community-based programs that strengthen public safety and well-being across the Niagara Region.
The Foundation was created under the authority of the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 and through a Police Service Board By-law enacted on May 22, 2025. Its purpose is to support programs that promote safer, healthier, and more resilient neighbourhoods.
The inaugural Board of Directors includes the following members:
Michael Kirkopoulos – Chair Karen Simpson – Vice Chair Vita Gauley – Secretary Jeff Sica – Treasurer Matt Harris William Reilly Emily Rowe Christian Wulff Chief of Police Bill Fordy – Ex-officio, non-voting member Laura Ip, Police Service Board Member – Ex-officio, non-voting member
Quote – Niagara Police Service Board Chair Pat Chiocchio
“The establishment of the Niagara Regional Police Foundation represents an innovative approach to community-safety and well-being,” said Pat Chiocchio, Chair of the Police Service Board. “By working together with residents and local community partners, the Foundation will help advance initiatives that make Niagara safer, stronger and more connected.”
Quote – Chief of Police Bill Fordy, Niagara Regional Police Service
“The creation of the Niagara Regional Police Foundation marks an important step forward in how we work together to strengthen community safety and well-being across Niagara,” said Chief of Police Bill Fordy. “This Foundation provides new opportunities to partner with residents and organizations who share our commitment to making a difference. I am confident that the work ahead will have a lasting and positive impact across our Region.”
Quote – Niagara Regional Police Foundation Chair Michael Kirkopoulos
“It is an honour to serve as the first Chair of the Niagara Regional Police Foundation. Our goal is to build a transparent, community-driven model that supports programs focused on prevention, youth engagement, vulnerable populations, and long-term community well-being. The Foundation will give donors and partners a meaningful avenue to contribute to safer, stronger communities across Niagara.”
About the Niagara Regional Police Foundation
The Foundation operates as an independent, incorporated entity governed by its own Board of Directors. It will raise funds through donations and sponsorships to support initiatives that do not form part of the legislated responsibility of the Police Service or its operating budget. Programs funded must align with community safety, prevention, and social well-being priorities, and cannot influence policing operations, decision-making, or enforcement activity.
The Foundation Board will begin developing policies, funding criteria, and its first round of community priorities in 2025, with public reporting requirements and full transparency measures built into the by-law.
Media Contacts:
Pat Chiocchio, Board Chair
Deb Reid, Executive Director
Niagara Police Service Board
(905) 688-4111 Extension 1006022
Office of the Chief of Police
Niagara Regional Police Service
(905) 688-4111 Extension 1025002
Laura Ip, Member
Niagara Police Service Board
(905) 324-3134
Michael Kirkopoulos, Chair
Niagara Regional Police Foundation
(905) 321 5894