Gatineau in mourning

John Janusz, former Chief of Police of Gatineau to be remembered January 31

Mélissa Gélinas

Shortly after Christmas, on Friday, December 27, former Gatineau Chief of Police John Janusz passed away at the age of 73, following health issues and complications.

To pay him tribute, the Service de police de la Ville de Gatineau (SPVG) lowered their flags to half-mast.

A Gatineau police officer since May 1973, Mr. Janusz was appointed chief of police in the early 2000s. He also played an important role in the merger of police authorities of the former cities of Buckingham, Hull and Aylmer. He was very close to the community and had a very humane and respectful approach. John Janusz was also described as a man of humility, respect, integrity, discretion and fairness.

He held a number of positions within the SPVG, having been promoted to Detective Sergeant and Detective Lieutenant in the Criminal Investigation Bureau, as well as Lieutenant and Captain in Internal Affairs. When he retired in 2007, he continued his career by becoming Director of Security at the House of Commons until 2015.

In 2006, with a career spanning more than 42 years, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Police Forces by Michaëlle Jean, former Governor General of Canada.

He is survived by his wife, Diane Savard, his daughter Anny Spooner, his son Steve Spooner, President of the Fraternité des policiers et policières de Gatineau, other family members, friends, colleagues and many acquaintances.

A celebration of his life will be held on January 31 at 11 am at the chapel of Les Jardins du Souvenir funeral home, located at 75 Boulevard Fournier in Gatineau.