The largest OPP boat is patrolling area waters having officially been christened the "Chris D. Lewis" in honour of the former provincial police commissioner this week.
Lewis was on hand for the naming ceremony on Thursday at the Leamington Marina.
"I never thought it'd be something I'd see while I was still alive," says Lewis. "It's a real bittersweet moment for me. It makes me miss the OPP even more than I already did, but such an honour."
Officers with the RCMP, OPP and Windsor Police Service were all on hand as were the Canada and US coast guard services along with other public and political dignitaries.
The "Chris D. Lewis" was launched into service in the fall of 2015 and patrols western Lake Erie, the Detroit River, Lake St. Clair, Pelee Island and other smaller rivers.
The boat was purpose built for the OPP by Kanter Marine in St. Thomas and Lewis calls it important to have specialized equipment instead of re-purposing old recreational boats.
"Boats like this get to isolated locations to save lives, is what it's all about, so it's very important that our folks have solid, sturdy, proper working vessels," says Lewis.
The "Chris D. Lewis" is 38 ft (11.58 m) making it the largest vessel in the OPP's 13 boat fleet.
Lewis was the 13th commissioner of the OPP, holding the position from 2010 to 2014.
Various officers attend the naming ceremony for the "Chris D. Lewis" OPP marine vessel held at the Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Various officers attend the naming ceremony for the "Chris D. Lewis" OPP marine vessel held at the Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Various officers attend the naming ceremony for the "Chris D. Lewis" OPP marine vessel held at the Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A naming ceremony for the "Chris D. Lewis" OPP marine vessel is held at the Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
The "Chris D. Lewis" OPP marine vessel is brought into Leamington Marina for a naming ceremony on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A naming ceremony for the "Chris D. Lewis" OPP marine vessel is held at the Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis attends the naming ceremony for the newest OPP marine vessel, which now carries his name, held at the Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A Canada Coast Guard vessel is brought in for the naming ceremony of the "Chris D. Lewis" OPP marine vessel held at Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
A US Coast Guard vessel is brought in for the naming ceremony of the "Chris D. Lewis" OPP marine vessel held at Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Leamington Mayor John Patterson attends the naming ceremony of the "Chris D. Lewis" OPP marine vessel held at Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Pelee Island Mayor Rick Masse attends the naming ceremony of the "Chris D. Lewis" OPP marine vessel held at Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
US Customs and Border protection staff attend the naming ceremony of the "Chris D. Lewis" OPP marine vessel held at Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis attends the naming ceremony for the newest OPP marine vessel, which now carries his name, held at the Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
Former OPP Commissioner Chris Lewis (second from left) attends the naming ceremony for the largest OPP marine vessel, which now carries his name, held at the Leamington Marina on June 23, 2016. (Photo by Ricardo Veneza)
