Hamilton’s outgoing police service board has named Deputy Chief Ryan Diodati the city’s next Chief of Police without a competitive recruitment, three days after voters elected a new mayor who said no senior hires should happen before the new Council and new Police Board take office.

In a statement issued at 1:01 p.m. Thursday, Hamilton Police Service Board Chair Don Robertson announced Diodati’s promotion to Chief, effective May 7, 2027. Chief Frank Bergen will retire on May 6, 2027.

The board also decided not to conduct a competitive recruitment for the deputy chief position Diodati will vacate. Superintendent Marty Schulenberg will be promoted to Deputy Chief on May 7, 2027.

The board did not explain why it decided against a competitive process for Chief, or why it announced the promotions three days after the municipal election. All the Board’s discussions occurred during closed session meetings.

Mayor-elect Keanin Loomis, who campaigned on improving public safety, said in early September that the new Board should conduct the hiring of the next Chief.

“No hires should be happening before the next mayor takes office – whether it be the city manager, whether it be any senior executives in City Hall, and the police chief as well,” Loomis said during an interview on September 9. “We need to wait for new leadership before we start to bring in the next generation of leaders in this community.”

In late August, Robertson, speaking in a personal capacity rather than as board chair, said “that the present Board is uniquely positioned” to choose the next Chief.

“I think experience is important when we’re going to be talking about the role of the Chief of Police,” Robertson said.

Hamilton’s newly elected city council, which will have nine new members among its 16 seats, will inherit the decision when it appoints its representatives to the board at its inaugural meeting on November 18.

The seven-member board consists of the mayor, two members of city council, one citizen appointed by council, and three appointees selected by the provincial government.

The outgoing members are Councillor Esther Pauls (who was not re-elected in Ward 7), Councillor Cameron Kroetsch, and Councillor Mike Spadafora. Kroetsch and Spadafora were re-elected to their council seats.

The Council citizen appointee seat is vacant following the resignation of Dr. Anjali Menezes in June.

The provincial appointees, chosen by the Ontario Progressive Conservative government, are Don Robertson, Shaun Padulo, and Robin St. Jean. They will continue to serve on the Board.

Incoming Mayor Keanin Loomis joins the Police Board on November 15. City Council will the two councillor appointments on November 18, and could name a citizen appointee on that date as well.

The Police Board has not disclosed whether any of the current members voted against the closed-session hiring decision.

The Hamilton Police Service Board (Board) is pleased to announce the appointment of Deputy Chief Ryan Diodati as the next Chief of Police, effective May 7, 2027, following Chief Frank Bergen’s retirement on May 6, 2027. The Board has also appointed Superintendent Marty Schulenberg as Deputy Chief of Police, effective May 7, 2027. Chief-Designate Diodati and Deputy Chief-Designate Schulenberg have extensive experience with the Hamilton Police Service and have distinguished themselves through their experience, leadership and commitment to the Hamilton community. “This decision shapes the leadership of the Service and a commitment to the safety of our community. We are building on Chief Bergen’s work and choosing leadership that understands Hamilton, knows our members and recognizes where we need to be. This appointment provides continuity for our members and the people we serve,” said Chair Don Robertson. The appointments come ahead of Chief Bergen’s retirement, giving the command team time to prepare for a smooth transition. A swearing-in ceremony and transfer of office will take place in May 2027. Biographies Chief-Designate Ryan Diodati Chief-Designate Diodati is in his 30th year with the Hamilton Police Service. Over the past seven years, he has served as Deputy Chief in Operations and Support, overseeing frontline policing and operational units, ensuring a coordinated response to crime, community needs and public safety. He previously led the Investigative Services Division as Superintendent, overseeing major investigations with domestic and international law enforcement partners. Committed to community partnerships, he currently serves on the senate of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and previously sat on the boards of the Children’s Aid Society, John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area and the Eva Rothwell Centre. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and executive police leadership programs at the University of Toronto and McMaster University and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Niagara University. In 2023, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Police Forces for his leadership and contributions to Canadian policing. Deputy Chief-Designate Marty Schulenberg Deputy Chief-Designate Schulenberg is in his 32nd year with the Hamilton Police Service, bringing extensive experience in frontline policing, investigations, operational support, incident command and executive leadership. As Superintendent of the Investigative Services Division, he oversees a broad portfolio of investigative units and leads initiatives focused on addressing crime, supporting victims and enhancing public safety. His previous leadership of the Support Services Division included oversight of emergency response, traffic safety, critical incident command and operational support functions. Committed to community partnerships and organizational leadership, he serves in leadership roles with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, and charitable organizations – HPS Project Concern and Pro Action Cops & Kids. He has also chaired several Hamilton Police Service committees focused on community engagement, public safety and operational development. His executive education includes the Police Leadership Program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and the Executive Police Leadership Program at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brock University, a Diploma in Police Studies from McMaster University, and a Diploma in Law and Security Administration from Niagara College. MEDIA INQUIRIES ARE TO BE SENT TO THE BOARD’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KIRSTEN STEVENSON About the Board The Hamilton Police Service Board is the civilian body governing the Hamilton Police Service. The board is responsible for ensuring the delivery of adequate and effective policing in Hamilton and to provide accountability to the public through governance activities that contribute to locally responsive policing. The primary role of the board is to establish, after consultation with the Chief of Police, overall objectives and priorities to ensure requirements found in the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 are met or exceeded. This is achieved through the enactment of policies. Board Members: Chair Don Robertson, Vice Chair Esther Pauls, Cameron Kroetsch, Shaun Padulo, Mike Spadafora, and Robin St. Jean. Administrative Team: Executive Director Kirsten Stevenson, Executive Assistant Lucia Romano and Board Assistant Jordana Shainbach. Contact: Phone: 905-546-2727 | Email: kirsten.stevenson@hamilton.ca | Address: 155 King William Street, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A7 | Website: www.hamiltonpsb.ca
The Hamilton Police Service Board issued a media release on October 29, 2026, announcing the appointment of Deputy Chief Ryan Diodati as the service’s next Chief of Police and Superintendent Marty Schulenberg as Deputy Chief of Police, effective May 7, 2027, following the retirement of Chief Frank Bergen. (Page 1 of 3) Credit: Joey Coleman
The Hamilton Police Service Board (Board) is pleased to announce the appointment of Deputy Chief Ryan Diodati as the next Chief of Police, effective May 7, 2027, following Chief Frank Bergen’s retirement on May 6, 2027. The Board has also appointed Superintendent Marty Schulenberg as Deputy Chief of Police, effective May 7, 2027. Chief-Designate Diodati and Deputy Chief-Designate Schulenberg have extensive experience with the Hamilton Police Service and have distinguished themselves through their experience, leadership and commitment to the Hamilton community. “This decision shapes the leadership of the Service and a commitment to the safety of our community. We are building on Chief Bergen’s work and choosing leadership that understands Hamilton, knows our members and recognizes where we need to be. This appointment provides continuity for our members and the people we serve,” said Chair Don Robertson. The appointments come ahead of Chief Bergen’s retirement, giving the command team time to prepare for a smooth transition. A swearing-in ceremony and transfer of office will take place in May 2027. Biographies Chief-Designate Ryan Diodati Chief-Designate Diodati is in his 30th year with the Hamilton Police Service. Over the past seven years, he has served as Deputy Chief in Operations and Support, overseeing frontline policing and operational units, ensuring a coordinated response to crime, community needs and public safety. He previously led the Investigative Services Division as Superintendent, overseeing major investigations with domestic and international law enforcement partners. Committed to community partnerships, he currently serves on the senate of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and previously sat on the boards of the Children’s Aid Society, John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area and the Eva Rothwell Centre. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and executive police leadership programs at the University of Toronto and McMaster University and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Niagara University. In 2023, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Police Forces for his leadership and contributions to Canadian policing. Deputy Chief-Designate Marty Schulenberg Deputy Chief-Designate Schulenberg is in his 32nd year with the Hamilton Police Service, bringing extensive experience in frontline policing, investigations, operational support, incident command and executive leadership. As Superintendent of the Investigative Services Division, he oversees a broad portfolio of investigative units and leads initiatives focused on addressing crime, supporting victims and enhancing public safety. His previous leadership of the Support Services Division included oversight of emergency response, traffic safety, critical incident command and operational support functions. Committed to community partnerships and organizational leadership, he serves in leadership roles with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, and charitable organizations – HPS Project Concern and Pro Action Cops & Kids. He has also chaired several Hamilton Police Service committees focused on community engagement, public safety and operational development. His executive education includes the Police Leadership Program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and the Executive Police Leadership Program at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brock University, a Diploma in Police Studies from McMaster University, and a Diploma in Law and Security Administration from Niagara College. MEDIA INQUIRIES ARE TO BE SENT TO THE BOARD’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KIRSTEN STEVENSON About the Board The Hamilton Police Service Board is the civilian body governing the Hamilton Police Service. The board is responsible for ensuring the delivery of adequate and effective policing in Hamilton and to provide accountability to the public through governance activities that contribute to locally responsive policing. The primary role of the board is to establish, after consultation with the Chief of Police, overall objectives and priorities to ensure requirements found in the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 are met or exceeded. This is achieved through the enactment of policies. Board Members: Chair Don Robertson, Vice Chair Esther Pauls, Cameron Kroetsch, Shaun Padulo, Mike Spadafora, and Robin St. Jean. Administrative Team: Executive Director Kirsten Stevenson, Executive Assistant Lucia Romano and Board Assistant Jordana Shainbach. Contact: Phone: 905-546-2727 | Email: kirsten.stevenson@hamilton.ca | Address: 155 King William Street, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A7 | Website: www.hamiltonpsb.ca
The Hamilton Police Service Board issued a media release on October 29, 2026, announcing the appointment of Deputy Chief Ryan Diodati as the service’s next Chief of Police and Superintendent Marty Schulenberg as Deputy Chief of Police, effective May 7, 2027, following the retirement of Chief Frank Bergen. (Page 2 of 3)
The Hamilton Police Service Board (Board) is pleased to announce the appointment of Deputy Chief Ryan Diodati as the next Chief of Police, effective May 7, 2027, following Chief Frank Bergen’s retirement on May 6, 2027. The Board has also appointed Superintendent Marty Schulenberg as Deputy Chief of Police, effective May 7, 2027. Chief-Designate Diodati and Deputy Chief-Designate Schulenberg have extensive experience with the Hamilton Police Service and have distinguished themselves through their experience, leadership and commitment to the Hamilton community. “This decision shapes the leadership of the Service and a commitment to the safety of our community. We are building on Chief Bergen’s work and choosing leadership that understands Hamilton, knows our members and recognizes where we need to be. This appointment provides continuity for our members and the people we serve,” said Chair Don Robertson. The appointments come ahead of Chief Bergen’s retirement, giving the command team time to prepare for a smooth transition. A swearing-in ceremony and transfer of office will take place in May 2027. Biographies Chief-Designate Ryan Diodati Chief-Designate Diodati is in his 30th year with the Hamilton Police Service. Over the past seven years, he has served as Deputy Chief in Operations and Support, overseeing frontline policing and operational units, ensuring a coordinated response to crime, community needs and public safety. He previously led the Investigative Services Division as Superintendent, overseeing major investigations with domestic and international law enforcement partners. Committed to community partnerships, he currently serves on the senate of the Royal Hamilton Light Infantry and previously sat on the boards of the Children’s Aid Society, John Howard Society of Hamilton, Burlington & Area and the Eva Rothwell Centre. He is a graduate of the FBI National Academy and executive police leadership programs at the University of Toronto and McMaster University and holds a Bachelor of Arts from Niagara University. In 2023, he was awarded the Order of Merit of the Police Forces for his leadership and contributions to Canadian policing. Deputy Chief-Designate Marty Schulenberg Deputy Chief-Designate Schulenberg is in his 32nd year with the Hamilton Police Service, bringing extensive experience in frontline policing, investigations, operational support, incident command and executive leadership. As Superintendent of the Investigative Services Division, he oversees a broad portfolio of investigative units and leads initiatives focused on addressing crime, supporting victims and enhancing public safety. His previous leadership of the Support Services Division included oversight of emergency response, traffic safety, critical incident command and operational support functions. Committed to community partnerships and organizational leadership, he serves in leadership roles with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, and charitable organizations – HPS Project Concern and Pro Action Cops & Kids. He has also chaired several Hamilton Police Service committees focused on community engagement, public safety and operational development. His executive education includes the Police Leadership Program at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of Management and the Executive Police Leadership Program at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Brock University, a Diploma in Police Studies from McMaster University, and a Diploma in Law and Security Administration from Niagara College. MEDIA INQUIRIES ARE TO BE SENT TO THE BOARD’S EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR KIRSTEN STEVENSON About the Board The Hamilton Police Service Board is the civilian body governing the Hamilton Police Service. The board is responsible for ensuring the delivery of adequate and effective policing in Hamilton and to provide accountability to the public through governance activities that contribute to locally responsive policing. The primary role of the board is to establish, after consultation with the Chief of Police, overall objectives and priorities to ensure requirements found in the Community Safety and Policing Act, 2019 are met or exceeded. This is achieved through the enactment of policies. Board Members: Chair Don Robertson, Vice Chair Esther Pauls, Cameron Kroetsch, Shaun Padulo, Mike Spadafora, and Robin St. Jean. Administrative Team: Executive Director Kirsten Stevenson, Executive Assistant Lucia Romano and Board Assistant Jordana Shainbach. Contact: Phone: 905-546-2727 | Email: kirsten.stevenson@hamilton.ca | Address: 155 King William Street, Hamilton, ON L8R 1A7 | Website: www.hamiltonpsb.ca
The Hamilton Police Service Board issued a media release on October 29, 2026, announcing the appointment of Deputy Chief Ryan Diodati as the service’s next Chief of Police and Superintendent Marty Schulenberg as Deputy Chief of Police, effective May 7, 2027, following the retirement of Chief Frank Bergen. (Page 3 of 3)

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Published: October 29, 2026
Last updated: October 29, 2026
Author: Joey Coleman

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