Sarnia will soon begin looking for a new police chief.
Phil Nelson, who has led Sarnia Police Services the past eight year, is set to retire in June of 2018, the board announced last week.
Nelson has had a 44-year career serving the people of Sarnia, joining the force in 1974 and rising through the ranks to become chief in 2009.
During that time, he has overseen the department’s officers and civilians with compassion and respect while keeping a lid on policing costs, said Mayor Mike Bradley, who also chairs the police service board.
Nelson led the service through a divisive OPP costing debate, developed strong ties with local First Nations, and has remained open and accessible to the public and media, Bradley said.
“He is a man of character and integrity who I have greatly respected and admired, having had the privilege of working with him directly over the last decade.