Aug. 27 used to be a normal day in Victoria, but not anymore.
As Victoria Police's very own Del Manak is leaving his role as chief, Victoria council officially dedicated this day to him and his legacy.
After a 35-year policing career – 32 of those spent in Victoria and Esquimalt – Manak wanted to take the opportunity to give back to the community and make a little difference in the day of Victoria residents.
Handing out doughnuts and coffee gift cards, the outgoing chief embarked on an afternoon tour of the capital, starting with a stop at the intersection of Fort and Blanshard streets.
“I had to do something and I tried to look for a guideline or brochure as to what you're supposed to do on Del Manak Day, and there wasn't one,” he said, smiling. “So I've got some gift cards, I've got some doughnuts – cops and doughnuts, they kind of go hand in hand – but I just want to get back to my community.”
Having grown up in Fernwood near Victoria High School, Manak said he was humbled to have served his city.
“I was a young kid and I was looking at these Victoria police officers at 10-years-old going to George Jay Elementary and just being inspired,” he said. “To think that I've been the police chief for nine and a half years in a city that has raised me… is amazing.”
Although the spotlight was on him, Manak took the time to highlight the work of his fellow officers, saying it was a “true honour” to serve with them.
“This might be Del Manak Day, but I think what's more important is (that) today is VicPD day,” he said. “I may be the figurehead and the chief of the department, but it's the men, women and our staff that do the lion's share of the work.”
As this “amazing journey” comes to a close, the only thing left is to welcome Chief Fiona Wilson as the new chief by the end of the week, said Manak. Looking forward to passing the torch to the first woman to serve as VicPD’s top cop, Manak said he is “leaving with a smile.”
“I'm leaving happy, without any scandal,” he said. “And going out through the front door is something that I've always cherished and I wanted to do."
Manak said growing up as one of six siblings in a modest household, where Punjabi was spoken at home, helped shape his core values both personally and professionally – values he credits with helping him become VicPD’s first police chief from a visible minority background. He added that the attention he is now receiving feels “a bit surreal.”
Proud of the legacy he leaves behind after nearly a decade as chief, Manak said he hopes to be remembered as a leader committed to building community trust and bringing “a human approach to being a chief.”
With one ticket left in his book, Manak said he isn’t sure if he’ll write it before leaving, but for now he looks forward to resting with family and loved ones before tackling “less stressful” projects.
“I'm gonna relax, rejuvenate, and anything that Del Manak does, I do it at 100 per cent,” he said. “I will jump off the deep end (but) I just haven't committed to anything. I want to keep my options open and see where I land.”
