CAROL CROWE SMASHED THE GLASS CEILING WITH HALTON POLICE

I was scheduled to interview friend and former colleague Carol Crowe on Nov. 24, 2022, to discuss her precedent-setting career highlighting her 2015 promotion — becoming the first woman deputy chief in Halton.

Sadly, my interview with Carol Crowe never came to fruition. She passed away on Nov. 19, 2022, from cancer. This story is now in memoriam to celebrate Carol's life and career accomplishments.

"Carol was a very authentic and honest person. She truly cared about people," said Ron Wheeldon, Carol's husband. "She prided herself on being authentic and trustworthy."

Ironically, in 1989 Ron and Carol were in the same recruit class at Ontario Police College in Aylmer, Ont. as newly hired police constables.

"We didn't know each other back then," reflected Wheeldon about how their paths barely crossed then. They would reconnect again — over two decades later.

In 2002, Julie Craddock, presently a Halton inspector, had the opportunity to work for Crowe when she was seconded to the criminal investigations bureau. Craddock reflected on their professional and personal connection.

"She took me under her wing, and for me it was never about being a female thing. She was just good to people. Even before we spoke about the words 'mentoring' and 'coaching' others, Carol was already doing that," recalled Craddock. "She was an amazing human being."

Halton police Deputy Chief Jeff Hill, who presently oversees regional operations, reflected on the impact Crowe had on his career and leadership style. He was one of many who eulogized Crowe at her funeral.

"She was a natural leader and represented the leader I wanted to be. She had the utmost integrity and was a defender of the underdog," said Hill, who was working with Crowe when she got the news of her precedent-setting promotion. "I was sitting beside her when she got the call to become the deputy chief in 2015."

Even after being appointed as Halton's first woman deputy chief, Crowe's dedication to serving the community and the residents of Halton never wavered.

"The role she took was to serve the community and it was the greatest honour for her to be in a position to do that. Carol was involved with many different groups. If there was ever an opportunity for her to stand up and do something for her community, she did it," said Hill.

Crowe immersed herself in various community groups, including the Children's Aid Society, the Halton Women's Place, the United Way, Halton industry and the Education Council. She took pride in representing the Halton residents and strived to- ward making it a safe and inclusive community for all.

"Her commitment to the community, public safety and everyone's well-being was ever present. She was a great contributor to public safety. Carol made Halton a safer community. She was all about the people. I was so proud of her," said Craddock.

In June of 2015, Ron Wheeldon was at a conference when he was introduced to Crowe, his former rookie classmate from the police academy that he had barely known in 1989. This time would be different though. They would become inseparable, during the good and especially bad times.

"I was working alongside Carol when she got the call she had cancer," remembered Hill, who worked for Crowe at the time.

"Carol had been in the role as deputy for two years," said Wheeldon. "She ended up retiring with 14 months still left on her contract. Carol wanted to live as fully and completely with what time she had left."

In 2019, Crowe and Wheeldon got married. Her cancer was in remission and they cherished every moment spending quality time with each other and their families.

"Family meant everything to Carol — and her children were at the top of that list," said Wheeldon. Their conjoined families included Crowe's children Kaitlin and Andrew and Wheeldon's daughter Katelyn and son Curtis.

In June 2021, after Crowe had been in remission for close to four and a half years, the cancer returned. The news brought Wheeldon and Crowe even closer together.

"Carol and I connected on a level I have never connected with anyone else on. Her free spirit was one of the reasons I fell in love with her. She was truly my soulmate," said Wheeldon.

Crowe died on Saturday, Nov. 19, 2022, with her family by her side.

A few weeks after Crowe's funeral, Julie Craddock received news she would become the first woman appointed to the rank of deputy chief with the Sarnia police in March 2023. Wheeldon was one of the first people she called to share her news. It was emotional and congratulatory.

"Carol never stopped being my inspiration," said Craddock, who credits Crowe for all her accomplishments stemming from years of unwavering mentorship.

Wheeldon reflected on the unwavering love he and Crowe shared.

"She made my life a better place. She shone light in my heart in a way no one ever has. I will forever be at a loss without her."

"Carol is my mentor and I try to follow in her footsteps," added Hill.

There will be no need to repair that figurative smashed ceiling. Many future leaders will soon follow in the footsteps Carol left behind.

Stephen Metelsky is an author, professor, and retired HRPS detective. Twitter @StephenMetelsky Have a story idea? Reach him at HaltonCrimeConfidential@gmail.com.