After less than two years, Timmins police chief retires

Less than two years after he took the job, Timmins Police Chief Dan Foy is retiring, the local police board announced Saturday.

No reason was given for Foy’s decision, but the board thanked him for his service.

“Chief Foy has been a steadfast and dedicated leader, committed to the safety and well-being of the Timmins community,” the police board said in a news release.

“The board extends its deepest appreciation for his service and wishes him a fulfilling retirement.”

Police board chair Kraymr Grenke told CTV's Lydia Chubak that Foy wants to spend time with his family, with two of his children still in school.

“It was the point in his career that he wanted to retire, spend time with family, travel and be with his children," Kraymr said.

"At this point in his career, he has reached the 30-year mark in policing and a lot of times that that is the end of the career. We thank him for his service and wish him the best on his retirement."

The next step is agreeing upon a process to pick a new chief.

Timmins Police Chief Dan Foy quit in November after less than two years on the job. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)

"The selection process is not a forgone thing," Kraymr said.

"We do have that discussion that we need to have on how we proceed forward, but a selection process is definitely in the cards.”

Foy was appointed in late 2021 and started as chief in February 2022, replacing John Gauthier, who spent 30 years with the Timmins police.

Foy became chief after 27 years working at and overseeing various Ontario Provincial Police detachments.

"It’s a start for me in my career to work with the women and men of the Timmins Police Service and the many partners that we have that extend our services and support us in doing what we do in our communities and that is to make Timmins safer," Foy said at the time.

RECRUITMENT CHALLENGES

In addition to grappling with the opioid crisis and other challenges, police in Timmins have struggled to retain police. Foy focused much of his efforts as chief on recruitment.

With the retirement, the board appointed Deputy Chief Henry Dacosta as acting chief during the transitional period.

“Deputy Chief Dacosta has been an integral part of the Timmins Police Service, contributing to its success with a wealth of experience and a commitment to public service,” the board said.

Insp. Darren Dinel has been appointed acting deputy chief.

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"We thank Chief Foy for his dedication to our community and wish him the best in his retirement,” Grenke is quoted as saying in the release.

“The police services board looks forward to the process for selecting our next chief and anticipates the continuation of the hard work and dedication that our officers bring to our community every day."