TORONTO - The tipstaff has been passed and there's a new commissioner in charge of Ontario's police force.
Premier Dalton McGuinty is among the dignitaries attending the Ontario Provincial Police change of command ceremony.
Chris Lewis is taking over from Julian Fantino, who retired in late July after four years at the helm.
Lewis began his new duties on Aug. 1 but today is the official change of command ceremony.
That includes the passing of the tipstaff, a staff roughly half-a-metre long topped with a decoration in the shape of a crown.
Lewis had served as deputy commissioner of field operations for the force since 2007.
Fantino's career spanned more than 40 years, including stints as police chief in London, York Region, and Toronto.
