Chris D. Lewis, Commissioner (Ret.), Ontario Provincial Police, describes life as a series of hills and valleys. Every challenge you encounter is a hill you must overcome on your journey. As his title cautions, Lewis believes that you should never stop on a hill. Some obstacles may seem insurmountable, but quitting is never an option, unless it is in the best interests of the team. Instead, with determination and resilience, you will be able to lead to success.
Lewis came to this conclusion during his thirty-six-year career in policing. He worked in a variety of different areas, including uniform, tactical operations, intelligence and major crimes, before climbing the ranks to lead the entire ninety-five-hundred-person organization. Along the way, he learned many lessons in leadership and teamwork.
Lewis includes interviews and discussions with police chiefs and personnel who reveal the skills they believe are critical for leadership success.
Lewis encourages a caring and communicative perspective. A "what's in it for me?" attitude isn't sustainable in any organization. Instead, through Never Stop on a Hill, learn the qualities of a true leader.
All profits from the sale of Never Stop on a Hill will go to the Special Olympics.
About the Author: Chris D. Lewis, Commissioner (Ret.), Ontario Provincial Police, was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, Canada. He first became interested in leadership while playing high school sports, then during three years of working on commercial ships on the Great Lakes, Lewis was inspired by the leadership ability of the ship's commanders. He then began his police career as a constable in the Ontario Provincial Police, Canada's second-largest police force in 1978 and was named commissioner 32 years later. Lewis served throughout Ontario in numerous challenging operational and command roles, including as the director of criminal intelligence for Ontario's Ministry of the Solicitor General and on secondment with the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.
Lewis retired in 2014 and joined CTV as a public safety analyst. His commentary is regularly featured on Bell Media television and radio programs.
Lewis lives with his wife, Angie Howe, in Barrie, Ontario. Angie currently serves as a Chief Superintendent in the OPP. They have two grown daughters.
