Deputy Chief Salhia joins the YRP leadership team
York Regional Police has named its newest Deputy Chief. Ahmad Salhia has joined Chief Paulo Da Silva and fellow deputies Cecile Hammond, Ryan Hogan, and Kevin McCloskey to round out its leadership team.
Salhia has more than 23 years of policing experience, having served with York Regional Police in a variety of operational and executive leadership roles. Most recently, as Superintendent of Executive Services, he has provided strategic leadership overseeing the organization’s Strategic Services, Business Intelligence and Data Analytics, Quality Assurance, and Marketing, Communications and Brand functions, helping to advance innovation, organizational performance and public trust.
“I am pleased to welcome Deputy Chief Salhia to our Executive Leadership Team,” said Chief Paulo Da Silva. “Throughout his career, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership, sound judgment, and an unwavering commitment to our members and the communities we serve. He is a respected and trusted leader who leads with integrity, builds trusted relationships, and inspires confidence through collaboration, professionalism, and accountability. His extensive investigative and operational experience, strategic perspective, and genuine commitment to service excellence will be invaluable as we continue to meet the evolving needs of our growing and diverse communities.”
Throughout his career, Salhia has championed innovation, evidence-based policing and meaningful community engagement. While in command of the Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau, he oversaw complex investigations targeting firearms trafficking, organized crime and drug enforcement. He also played a key role in developing collaborative approaches to addressing substance use, gang prevention, and community safety through partnerships with municipal, provincial and community organizations.
He currently serves as Senior Sponsor and co-chair of the York Regional Police Interfaith Council. He co-chairs the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Substance Advisory Committee, where he has helped shape provincial approaches to substance use, diversion and prevention while strengthening partnerships with health, Indigenous and community organizations. Salhia also serves as Vice Chair of the Board of Addiction Services of Central Ontario.
“I am honoured by the opportunity to serve as Deputy Chief of York Regional Police,” Said Salhia. “I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by the Police Service Board. It is a privilege to support Chief Da Silva and to work alongside the Executive Leadership Team to ensure our members are supported, healthy, and prepared to protect York Region. I look forward to collaborating with our internal associations, our strong community partners, and our residents as we continue to build a safe, inclusive, and thriving community. Together, we will strengthen public trust, support our members, and deliver exceptional policing services.”
Photo: Deputy Chief Ahmad Salhia joins YRP leadership team (YRP photo)