Chief of Police announces retirement after 40 years of service to the City of Guelph

For Immediate Release: October 21, 2011

Guelph, Ontario - Chief Robert Davis has announced his retirement from the Guelph Police Service effective March 30, 2012.

"Chief Davis will be fondly remembered by both the Guelph Police Service and the citizens of Guelph. He made neighbourhood policing the focus of our Service and aimed at enhancing community and stakeholder relations. Under Rob's command, our Service has grown significantly to meet the increasing demands of community safety in the City of Guelph" said Judy Sorbara, Chair of the Police Services Board.

Chief Davis joined the Guelph Police Service in 1971 as a police cadet and has worked in all areas of the Service. Since that time he has held progressively responsible positions in the Service; including Inspector of Investigative Support Services, Neighbourhood Services, Corporate Services, Deputy Chief of Administration and Operations.

In 2000, he was named as the Chief of Police and now leads more than 280 members serving in the City of Guelph. Chief Davis is a true supporter of community volunteerism and was instrumental in the creation of the Citizens Concerned with Crime Against Children where he served as the president and vice-president from 1993 to 1998.

Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his outstanding service and leadership to the community and policing profession. He was awarded the Melvin Jones Fellow Award from Lions International and the Founders Award from the Alzheimer Society. He has served as campaign chair of the Big Bowl Campaign for Big Brothers and Sisters, supported the United Way, Special Olympics and was a dedicated member of the Sertoma and Rotary Clubs of Guelph.

"Chief Davis is a true ambassador for the City of Guelph. With more than 40 years of exemplary public service, he has been a role model for future police leaders and built a strong foundation for the long-term delivery of policing services for the City of Guelph" said Mayor Karen Farbridge.

Chief Davis has served as an active member of the Canadian and Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police as a representative on a number of committees as an advocate for promoting the police profession.

"Under the leadership of Chief Davis, the Guelph Police Service has been recognized as one the most progressive police services in the province. The Board consistently acknowledged Rob as an outstanding visionary leader and excellent administrator" said Dave Clark, Past Police Services Board Chair who worked with Chief Davis for ten years.

"It has been an honour and a privilege to serve the citizens of Guelph. Our Service has an excellent team that is focused on the community we serve, and ready to lead into the future. I am very proud of all our members who each day continue to make a difference in our community, they are simply the best" said Chief Davis.

The Guelph Police Service is the 15th largest municipal police service in Ontario with 288 members with a net operating budget of $33 million. The Service is responsible for the delivery of policing services to the more than 130,000 citizens of the City of Guelph and is built on the values of Pride, Service and Trust

Media Inquiries:
Pat Giles
Vice-Chair, Police Services Board
(519)837-3249