About Lorne Clifford

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For more than four decades, I have been fortunate to build a life and career centred on public service. Whether serving as a police officer, peacekeeper, educator, university administrator, a guide and mentor, or volunteer, I have been driven by a simple belief: leadership is about serving others with integrity, compassion, and respect.

I began my policing career with the Thunder Bay Police Service in 1983 and had the privilege of serving the community for thirty years in a variety of operational and leadership roles. Throughout that time, I was fortunate to work alongside many dedicated colleagues who shared a commitment to protecting and supporting our community.

My journey has also taken me beyond Canada’s borders. I have had the honour of participating in international peace-support missions in Sudan and the West Bank, experiences that provided a deeper understanding of conflict, justice, human rights, and the importance of building trust. In Sudan, I worked with the Pearson Peacekeeping Centre in support of the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS), providing training to United Nations Police officers in the investigation of sexual and gender-based violence. 

Later, I served as the Canadian Contingent Commander with the European Union Coordinating Office for Palestinian Police Support (EUPOL COPPS), working alongside international partners to support professional policing and institutional development.

These experiences reinforced lessons that continue to guide me today: meaningful change begins with listening, understanding, and treating every person with dignity and respect.

Education and lifelong learning have always been important parts of my journey. I have been fortunate to continue my studies throughout my career, earning degrees in political science and law, and to share knowledge and experience through teaching, mentoring, and professional development. I believe that learning carries with it a serious responsibility  - to help others grow and succeed.

Today, I serve as Director of Security Services at Lakehead University, where I continue to contribute to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive campus community. Alongside my professional responsibilities, I have been honoured to enjoy a fulfilling volunteer career that has brought me some of the most rewarding experiences of my life.

In 1984, I founded the Thunder Bay Police Pipe Band, an organization that has brought together police officers, community members, musicians, and supporters for more than four decades. Through music, tradition, and service, the band has become an important part of the community and has provided opportunities to honour, remember, and support others.

My volunteer journey has also included many years of service with St. John Ambulance, where I have been privileged to work with dedicated volunteers committed to helping others through first aid, community service, and humanitarian efforts. These operational and governance experiences have reminded me that strong communities are built by people who willingly give their time, skills, and compassion to support one another.

I continue to be involved in volunteer initiatives, including I WAS THIRSTY, a community effort focused on providing drinking water and human connection to people experiencing homelessness. This initiative reflects a belief that even simple acts of kindness can make a meaningful difference when they are offered with respect and genuine care.

Throughout my life, I have been humbled by the recognition I have received, but I believe any accomplishment is shared with the many, many  people who have supported, challenged, and inspired me along the way. Every meaningful achievement has been the result of teamwork, mentorship, friendship, and the generosity of others.

This website is a place to share some of those experiences, the lessons I have learned, and the people and organizations that have shaped my journey. My hope is that these stories encourage others to become involved in their communities, to serve with compassion, and to recognize that each of us has the ability to make a positive difference.

Thank you for taking the time to visit. I hope you find something here that informs, inspires, or encourages you.