Red Lake Ontario Provincial Police Officer Matt Norlock has sadly passed away. He died leaving family and friends devastated. The circumstances surrounding the actual cause of Matt Norlock’s death has not been made public at the time this report was made. Hs career with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) spanned more than two decades, marked by dedication, leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of communities in the challenging and diverse northern regions of Ontario.
Matt Norlock Career
Matt Norlock began his distinguished career in law enforcement in 2000, when he joined the Ontario Provincial Police as a Provincial Constable at the Ear Falls Detachment. Located in the vast and remote region of Northwestern Ontario, the Ear Falls Detachment served a vital role in maintaining law and order over a sprawling and often isolated landscape. Norlock’s time in Ear Falls, from June 2000 to January 2004, laid the foundation for his commitment to protecting and serving Ontario’s northern communities.
For 3 years and 8 months, Norlock immersed himself in the demands of policing in a region where resourcefulness and resilience are essential. His time as a Provincial Constable in Ear Falls provided him with invaluable experience in community policing and law enforcement in a rural setting. The relationships he forged during these formative years would be a constant thread throughout his career.
In February 2004, Norlock’s exemplary work at the Ear Falls Detachment earned him a promotion to the Provincial Constable role at the Red Lake Detachment. For the next decade, until June 2014, Norlock served the communities in and around Red Lake—a remote, rugged area rich in natural beauty but often faced with the unique challenges of geography and distance.
His work in Red Lake further expanded his expertise in law enforcement, but also deepened his connection to the community. In July 2014, Norlock’s exemplary service and leadership abilities were recognized once again, as he was promoted to the position of Sergeant and became the Team Leader at the Red Lake/Ear Falls Detachment. This position, which he held until December 2018, saw him responsible not just for overseeing daily operations, but for providing leadership to a team of officers spread across two distinct but interconnected regions.
As a Team Leader, Norlock’s role was multifaceted. He was charged with ensuring the efficiency and effectiveness of policing in a challenging environment, often coordinating resources across vast distances and navigating the complexities of multiple communities with unique needs. Under his leadership, the Red Lake/Ear Falls Detachment became known for its proactive approach to crime prevention, community outreach, and a commitment to making Northwestern Ontario a safer place for all.
In June 2021, Norlock was appointed to the role of Acting Inspector for Crime Prevention and Investigations in the Northwestern Region (NWR). His responsibilities in this role were broad and strategic, encompassing both crime prevention initiatives and investigative operations throughout the vast and varied region.
In November 2021, Matt Norlock achieved one of the highest positions in the OPP, becoming an Inspector and Detachment Commander. In this critical role, he took on overall leadership responsibility for the operations, management, and performance of his assigned detachment.
