‘Loved every minute of it’: Smiths Falls police chief Mark MacGillivray retires

MacGillivray served as chief since 2016 - before that serving in the role of deputy chief, a role he started in 2012. MacGillivray publicly announced his retirement in July. 

MacGillivray said he is very proud of the police service and the dedicated and compassionate members. 

“In 1987, as a young patrol officer stepping out onto Beckwith Street for the first time, I never dreamed that I’d be in a position to lead and mentor such a fine organization,” he said when first announcing his retirement in July. I’m so very thankful for the opportunities that came with the hard work and dedication.”

MacGillivray served many roles - including patrol, criminal investigations and administration. MacGillivray also assisted in the aftermath of the 9/11 terrorist attack in New York City in 2001.

“I don’t think you shut off being a first responder or a police officer,” he said. “You’re always looking and observing and picking up on things – and there’s always an investigative side to you and everything you do. So I don’t think you ever leave that. But I am looking forward to shutting off part of that in my head.”

MacGillivray said he’s looking forward to enjoying time at the lake, snowmobiling, hunting, travelling and spending time with family who has supported him throughout his career. MacGillivray will continue on with his work with the United Nations.

MacGillivray took a final ride with his daughter, Brittany MacGillivray, 28, a constable with the Cornwall Police Service on Friday, Dec. 15.

“Policing is in my blood,” said Brittany, a third-generation officer. “My grandfather was a police officer and my dad. Growing up, all the other guys on patrol would always stop in, come for a visit. All I’ve ever known is police cruisers, police officers, and hearing the stories from my dad and all of his friends. I don’t think I could ever imagine doing anything else. So it’s pretty cool that I get to follow in my dad and my grandfather’s footsteps.”

Deputy Police Chief Jodi Empey said her friendship with MacGillivray and his wife Jodie grew over many years working together.

“The friendship certainly grew from policing, many calls together, tears and laughter,” she said.

Empey said MacGillivray remained connected to officers in his administrative role.

“Administrators in larger services usually have a disconnect from their front line; Mark didn’t have that,” she said. “Starting as a recruit himself and working hard up the ranks in Smiths Falls gave him the opportunity to see policing in all levels and (develop a greater) understanding of the challenges front-line officers face. He became a mentor to other officers junior to him, including my husband Jeremy, over the years.”

Empey acknowledged, like all chiefs, MacGillivray had to make decisions for the service that not everyone is going to be happy with, but he does listen to feedback from senior officers and truly does care about his members both personally and professionally.

“He is an approachable and compassionate chief to all the staff here,” she said. “He had a positive impact in this community and certainly the service. He really believed in community policing and engaging positively with this community both off and on duty.”

MacGillivray immersed himself into Special Olympics early in his career and hasn’t stopped.

“He has known some of those athletes since they were little kids who have turned into grown adults,” said Empey. “He has assisted with and participated in countless charity events over the years playing in hockey and golf tournament fundraisers, cubs hockey, baseball tournaments for CHEO, many BBQs etc… I could go on! He will definitely be missed here, but I know I will be in touch with him regularly during this transition.”

Empey will stand in as acting chief. A new chief of police has not yet been named.