Lieutenant Norm Gardner, a former member of the Queen’s Own Rifles in Toronto, was elected to chair the Toronto Police Services Board at its meeting on 28 January 1998.

Norm Gardner joined the Queen’s Own Rifles as a rifleman in 1958. After one year’s service, he
transferred to 2 Provost Company where he attained the rank of Sergeant. On commissioning, he returned to the Queen’s Own Rifles serving as a junior officer in various appointments. One of his proudest moments came in 1964 when he won the Eastern Canada Black Belt Judo championship.

Lieutenant Gardner went on the Supplementary Reserve List in 1967 to pursue a political career. He served as an Alderman and Controller in North York and sat on the Metropolitan Toronto Council. It is noted that he served on the Metropolitan Toronto Police Commission longer than anyone else has ever done.