Like so many Victoria police officers before him, Deputy Chief John Ducker rolled into retirement in the department’s long-serving Car 40 — a restored 1940 police vehicle that has taken on a ceremonial role.
Ducker, a 34-year veteran of the Victoria force who was once touted as a candidate for chief, walked out of police headquarters at 850 Caledonia Ave. on Thursday afternoon and climbed into Car 40 with wife, Bridget, and daughters, Jayne and Megan.
A police motorcade accompanied the family to Victoria and Esquimalt city halls, where Ducker, often called J.D. by his friends, had a final word with Victoria Mayor Dean Fortin and Esquimalt Mayor Barb Desjardins, both members of the Victoria Police Board.
From there, it was a short trip to his Esquimalt home, and the start of his post-police life.
Ducker gave a number of interviews when he announced his retirement in the spring, but he wasn’t speaking publicly for Thursday’s occasion. He held his emotions in check as he saluted the assembled officers and acknowledged others in the crowd.
Victoria police Const. Mike Russell said formalities like those given to Ducker are tradition for high-ranking officers leaving the force.
“We’re trying to standardize what we do here, so he’s getting a piper and the officers are coming out to say good bye.”
A similar observance will be put on for Police Chief Jamie Graham when he retires at the end of December.
After announcing in May that he was stepping down, Ducker told the Times Colonist it was a tough decision not to keep going and vie for the job as chief. But at 54, he said committing to the standard five-year term that chiefs usually take on seemed daunting.
He said he was an “old guy” in police terms: “The miles you put on doing police work are a lot different than in the civilian world.”
Russell said Ducker is admired and respected throughout the police department, and his retirement will be a big loss.
Ducker was one of two deputy chiefs along with Del Manak. Ducker’s replacement is 49-year-old Steve Ing, who has been with the Victoria police for 25 years and moves up from the rank of inspector.
“There’s going to be some big shoes to fill,” Russell said.
Desjardins said Ducker’s caring nature was seen both on and off the job.
“The man is so passionate about his work and about his community,” she said. “This is bittersweet in many ways to lose him, but we’re going to be gaining him in the community so that’s a huge positive for us.”
Fortin said Ducker is “an amazing individual” and has a huge heart.
“He’s recognized for that by the people in the homeless community, the people in the social-service community.”
Fortin said the selection process to replace Graham is ongoing.
“We’ve engaged a search firm that’s out there taking in all the applications, preparing the information for the board.”
Once that information is reviewed, the interview stage will follow, Fortin said.
