After 31 years as a police officer, police chief Bryan Larkin is retiring.
Waterloo Regional Police Services Board chairperson Karen Redman made the announcement Thursday afternoon.
Larkin will work with the police board on a transition date. An interim police chief will be named ahead of Larkin’s departure.
“On behalf of the Board, I thank Chief Larkin for his dedication and service to the Waterloo Region community,” said Redman in a press release. “His leadership, vision, and passion for policing have been essential for the growth of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, as well as countless community organizations and aspiring leaders. We congratulate him on a legacy of excellence and wish him well in his future endeavours.”
Larkin began his policing career as a constable with the WRPS in 1991, rising to the rank of superintendent. Prior to becoming chief of WRPS on Aug. 31, 2014, he served as deputy chief and chief of the Guelph Police Service.
During his tenure as chief, Larkin volunteered his time with national and provincial policing organizations, as well as several local community groups.
He is an active member of the International, Canadian and Ontario associations of chiefs of police. He is currently serving as president of the CACP and also served as the OACP president.
“It has been a true honour to lead this organization over the past eight years and serve beside the incredible members who commit themselves each and every day to public safety and wellness,” said Larkin in the release. “As I reflect on my career, I am reminded of the sacrifices made by every member who took an oath to serve this community. I am also reminded of the success achieved through those sacrifices and am immensely proud and thankful for every member’s leadership and dedication.
“I am also grateful to the Waterloo Region community, Chair Redman and members of the Board for their support, trust, and confidence over the past several years. While this was not an easy decision, it was the right decision. I leave this incredible organization confident in the leadership and guidance of others to continue successfully moving the service forward to meet the growing needs of the community.”
