There is a new sheriff in town.
Or in this case, a new police chief in the City of Barrie.
In a Change of Command ceremony on Thursday, Rich Johnston took over from former Chief Kimberley Greenwood who has held the position since 2013.
Greenwood announced in June she would be retiring after more than 40 years in policing.
Johnston won't need any introduction to the city as he has been with the Barrie Police Service since 1998 and has served in a variety of roles including uniform patrol, Tactical Support, Operational Support, and Investigative Services.
Chief Johnston was honoured this year with the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police Excellence in Leadership Award and was inducted into the Evidence-Based Policing Hall of Fame at the Centre for Evidence-Based Crime Policy at George Mason University.
When the Barrie Police Services Board announced in early November that Johnston would be the new police chief, he said in statement that he was raised to believe that a life of service to others is a calling.
"I am truly honoured to be able to continue my service in this new role,” Johnston stated. “I look forward to working with our members and our community partners in exploring innovative ways to address the complex challenges facing our community. I am committed to leading the Barrie Police Service in delivering public safety services with a focus on transparency and legitimacy, through progressive policing practices that support the well-being of our members and our community.”
Banner image - Barrie Police Chief Rich Johnston from @BarriePolice
