Why Hamilton's new deputy police chief carries an old note in his pocket

Ryan Diodati became Hamilton's new deputy police chief Thursday with a 10-year-old note in his pocket.

His son Owen, an 18-year-old Toronto Blue Jays draft pick who plays baseball at the University of Alabama, was eight when he wrote it for his dad. The Hamilton Police Service officer was scheduled to be interviewed that day for the position of staff sergeant.

"Dear Dad," it says. "Good luck. Stay confident. Stay come [calm]. And have some fun. From all the hard work you have done you deserve the promotion!"

Diodati's family echoed that again when the 23-year veteran received his deputy chief pin at the central station. Diodati most recently served as superintendent of investigative services. He's also served in the emergency response, public order and domestic violence units. 

His brother Jim is mayor of Niagara Falls.

Diodati replaces Dan Kinsella, who left in July to become chief of the Halifax Regional Police Service. He joins Deputy Chief Frank Bergen, who came from Toronto, and Chief Eric Girt, who was also a long-time Hamilton officer. Girt said there was a nation-wide search for a new deputy chief.

Diodati, who takes the new job Nov. 3, said he wants to reach out to diverse communities. 

"We have to listen to people with lived experience," he said. "Not only listen, but we have to learn from that."

Mayor Fred Eisenberger, who chairs the police services board, said the vote to promote Diodati was unanimous.