Smiths Falls police chief to retire
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After nearly four decades in uniform, the police chief in Smiths Falls will turn in his badge later this year.
Mark MacGillivray, chief of the Smiths Falls Police Service, announced at a police board meeting last week he plans to retire at the end of the year, capping off a career that began more than 36 years ago.
“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,” MacGillivray told the board.
“I’m so very thankful for all the opportunities that came with the hard work and dedication.”
MacGillivray was named chief of the small town service in 2016, after serving as deputy chief for around four years. His last day will be Dec. 31, he told the police board on Thursday.
He began his policing career when he was 20 years old, he said, and stayed with the Smiths Falls force for his whole career. He said it was a “great honour” to serve the community for so long.
“I’m so very proud of the police service we have, and the dedicated professionals and compassionate members who serve to keep us safe,” he said.
“I thank all the people and the senior officers before me that influenced me to become the leader that I am today. Leadership comes much easier when you have great support from officers, civilians, and a very supportive police board, as well as our council.”
He said it was time to “pass the torch,” to others who have “worked so very hard, and committed themselves to serving this great community.”
“Trust in them as you’ve trusted in me,” he said.
In the next chapter of his life, he said he wants to enjoy more of his hobbies and personal interests, as well as to spend more time with his family and friends.
“I could not have reached this level without the unwavering support of my wife, my two daughters, my family and close friends. It’s time to repay them the sacrifices they’ve made,” he said.
He will also continue with his “passion of mentoring other police officers on an international level abroad.”
Mayor Shawn Pankow said it’s “obviously very bittersweet,” but said he understood that after a lengthy career of dedicating his life to serving the town, it was time.
“I can’t imagine all those years of shift and weekends and nights and time away from your family, and of course nothing happens without the support of that family,” he said at the meeting.
“It’s going to be difficult to see you go.”
Pankow reminisced on how much the world had changed since MacGillivray first began his career in the late 80s, and said the chief “helped shepherd our community through a lot of challenging times.”
“You’ve kept us all safe, and we owe you a debt of gratitude that we should bear for the balance of our lifetimes for the commitment you’ve made to the community and keeping us all safe,” Pankow said.
An emotional MacGillivray said he was always just a phone call away for “any advice or opinions,” but said it was his time to go.
“The time is right, and we do have a great organization and great people who can take the lead from here on.”
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