Assiniboine will present former Winnipeg Police Service Chief, Devon Clunis, with an honorary diploma at the college's Public Safety Final Inspection ceremony on May 3, 2024. Clunis was originally named an Honorary Diploma recipient in 2020, and due to travel restrictions at the time was unable to officially receive the recognition.
"Devon Clunis has had a long and distinguished career centered around community, public safety and social equity," said Mark Frison, president of Assiniboine. "Assiniboine is thrilled to be celebrating him in front of graduates embarking on their careers in Public Safey, as his contributions to Manitoba over the decades serves as a model for what is possible in public safety occupations."
Assiniboine awards honorary diplomas to individuals who demonstrate high standards of excellence in their personal and professional achievements and whose involvement in the community is widely recognized.
"I am thankful to Assiniboine Community College for this honor. I entered policing to impact social change and did my best to pursue that purpose throughout my career and continue to do so in retirement," Clunis said at the time.
"I certainly did not enter policing to receive awards but it is gratifying to have my efforts recognized and appreciated. Thank you, Assiniboine, for this honor. It encourages me to continue working to make social equity a reality."
Born in Jamaica, Clunis immigrated to Winnipeg with his family at the age of 11. His desire to create social change led him to join the Winnipeg Police Service (WPS) in 1987. During his time with the WPS, he served in many areas of the organization, progressing through the ranks until he was the first black Canadian to be appointed as a Chief of Police, a role he held from 2012 until his retirement in 2016.
Clunis's leadership philosophy is "people first" and he consistently sought to create a healthy work environment for those he was privileged to lead. During his tenure as WPS Chief, Clunis understood the need to do things differently and to challenge organizational norms with a strong focus on community policing and cross-cultural integration.
In addition to serving in numerous volunteer roles over the years, Clunis was a member of the Poverty Reduction Council of Winnipeg and participated in mentorship programs. He was a recipient of the Police Service's Award of Excellence in 2002 for his outstanding police and community work. Clunis served as a member of the board of directors of the Canadian Police Knowledge Network and was appointed to the Province of Manitoba to help develop public safety training across the province.
A multi-skilled team, Clunis and his wife Pearlene have authored two children's books, "The Little Boy from Jamaica: A Canadian History Story" and "The Little Girl from Osoyoos".
Clunis will receive his Honorary Diploma at the Public Safety Final Inspection Ceremony on May 3rd at 10 a.m. at the college's Victoria Ave. East campus.
