Armstrong becomes Windsor Police’s first black inspector

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Ed Armstrong continues to rise through the ranks of the Windsor Police Service and has now become the department’s first black inspector in its history.

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The 47-year-old was officially promoted to work just over a week ago and began in his new role on Monday, November 8.

“It’s important to me,” said Armstrong, who joined the department in 1998 as a special agent. “We are a diverse community and our police service has a responsibility to reflect the diversity in the community it serves.”

Your advocacy is also important to help encourage other minorities in the Windsor area to consider surveillance, he said.

I am excited to be in this position

“It gets a little bit Catch-22,” Armstrong said. “People don’t apply because they never see themselves in a supervisory position. But you can’t promote those who don’t apply.

“This helps show no matter what you look like, your gender or your ethnicity, that if you put in the effort, you will be recognized and you will be able to achieve whatever you want.”

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Armstrong’s rise through the chain of command included becoming the first black staff sergeant with the local police services just over a year ago. An inspector within the local police department ranks only below the chief, deputy director, and superintendent.

He was promoted to inspector in the career advancement area who oversees recruiting, training, and community services with the department.

Armstrong paid tribute Monday to three former department inspectors who recently retired: Jim Farrand, Steve Wortley and Ron LeClair, each with more than 30 years of experience.

“With his retirement, he gave me the opportunity to continue with the torch,” he said.

Born and raised in Windsor, Armstrong graduated from Riverside High School, St. Clair College, and the University of Windsor.

“It is a great achievement (to be promoted to inspector) and being the first (who is black) in the history of police service will allow me to give back to the community in a different way,” he said. “Show that if you come and do the work, good things are likely to happen.

“I am excited to be in this position. Hope it helps inspire others to consider this as an occupation. Police are often overlooked as a career, but I have found it rewarding in many ways. “

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