After nearly four decades in law enforcement, Woodstock's police chief is calling it a career.
Chief Bill Renton will officially retire from the force January 31, 2020. Although thanks to accrued time, his last day on the job will come much sooner - June 14, 2019.
The announcement was made Friday by the Woodstock Police Service Board.
“Under Chief Renton’s leadership of the Woodstock Police Service many changes have occurred. He has spear-headed renovations to the Court House with a strong desire to improve the safety for all. A pride that we all share from Chief Renton’s leadership is the new addition to the station," Board Chair Mary Anne Silverthorn said in a statement. "Chief Renton’s desire to build better supports throughout the community saw the Woodstock Police Service partnering in the Oxford Situation Table and MHEART – Mental Health Engagement & Response Team to support the community’s most vulnerable people including those suffering from mental health, addictions and homelessness issues."
Renton joined the Woodstock Police Service in July 2010 and has been the city's top cop since 2015. Prior to that, he spent more than 18 years with the former Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Service and 12 years with the OPP as a detective inspector. An active member of the Ontario Homicide Investigators Association (OHIA) from 2006 - 2015, Renton received the Award of Merit for having made a lasting contribution to the profession of homicide investigation in Ontario.
He served as the major case manager in many high profile investigations, including the abduction and murder of 8-year-old Victoria Stafford and the Douglas Creek Estates Indigenous occupation in Caledonia from 2006-2008.
In his 39 years of policing, Renton received several accolades such as the Queen's Diamond Jubilee medal, and the Police Exemplary Service Medal. He also received the Order of Merit for Police Services by the Governor General, which is the highest form of professional recognition a police officer can receive in Canada.
The search for Renton's successor will begin immediately, with the police service board seeking both internal and external applicants.
