Niagara's Deputy Police Chief announcing his retirement after 35 years of service.
Joe Matthews has informed the Police Services Board of his decision to retire once his current contract runs out on January 31, 2017.
Matthews was sworn in as a Constable with the Niagara Regional Police in 1981 after spending 3 years as an Auxiliary Constable.
He has served in a number of areas including Uniform Patrol, Criminal Investigation Branch, Youth Branch, Operational Services Branch, Major Crime Unit and Executive Services. As Commander of the Professional Standards Unit he was responsible for sweeping changes to the police complaints and disciplinary process.
In 2005, Deputy Chief Matthews authored the Rules of Practice for Police Disciplinary Hearings as the Niagara Regional Police Service became the first Service in the Province to enact such rules.
Deputy Chief Matthews was appointed Deputy Chief of Police on February 2, 2009, and will have been in that rank for eight years when he retires.
Deputy Chief Matthews stated, "I have proudly worn the uniform of the Niagara Regional Police Service since 1978. I will retire having every confidence that the citizens of Niagara will continue to be well served by professional, well-trained and dedicated police officers and staff. During my career I have been very fortunate to have been a member of some great teams. I am proud of what we have accomplished together and I am grateful to the members of the Police Service and to the members of our community who have supported me throughout my career."
On behalf of the Board, Chair Gale expressed their gratitude to Deputy Chief Matthews for his many years of service to our community. Deputy Chief Matthews has been an excellent leader for our police service. He has led the Service through a time of transition, including the complete facilities and technological renovation focused on the long-term delivery of policing services for the Niagara Region. He has met new complex challenges and has left a permanent legacy of achievement and excellence as a standard for every Service member."
Chief of Police Jeff McGuire says "Deputy Chief Matthews is a man of great integrity and professionalism. He has devoted his entire working life to the citizens of this Region in his many roles with the NRPS and his commitment to public safety. Joe will be sorely missed but fondly remembered. I know that Joe's commitment to the community will continue when he retires through his volunteer work particularly with Wellspring Niagara. I personally want to thank Joe for the leadership, guidance and friendship he has shown to me and I wish him all the best in retirement."
Chair Gale said the Board will determine over the next few weeks on the process it will follow to hire a new Deputy Chief of Police. It is anticipated that the Board will embark on its search for our new Deputy Chief of Police over the coming months.