Interim Timmins police chief attends first police board meeting in 20 years

Only a week on the job and Interim Police Chief Denis Lavoie is attending his first Timmins Police Services Board meeting in 20 years.

Interim Police Chief Denis Lavoie attending his first Timmins Police Services Board meeting in 20 years. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)

“It was very surreal coming in here on the first day," said Lavoie.

"I almost went to the old building Monday morning instead of here."

Lavoie announced that two more officers have left for other jobs and another is retiring. Police officials said recruiting efforts aren't going as well as expected despite the cash incentives being offered and appeal to people from southern Ontario to relocate.

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“The selling feature that we always thought was attractive was the fact that you can afford to live in Timmins and ply your trade in that field of endeavour that you love," said Timmins Police Service communications coordinator Marc Depatie.

“I shared with the staff that we went through this back in '97, and '98 and we overcame those issues and I’m confident we can do it now," said Lavoie.

"The ones - the officers - who are committed to this service are the ones who are going to make it happen simple as that."

Lavoie retired as Timmins Police Chief in 2004, but was recently called back after Chief Dan Foy suddenly retired in November.

"Chief Denis Lavoie’s reputation precedes him everywhere he goes," said Depatie.

"He’s known as a true gentleman and he never lets us down."

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The Police Services Board Chair Kraymr Grenke said a 'headhunting' firm is now working to help the board make an informed decision when it comes to hiring the next police chief.

"There’s a lot of public aspect to this job so we do need to take that into account when we’re looking for the next chief," said Grenke.

"This consultant has conversations with stakeholders in the community, our associations, brings all that information together for us."

The Timmins Police Service is not only recruiting a dozen sworn officers, but it's also on the search for a new chief. Interim police chief Denis Lavoie has been called out of retirement, but he expects someone will take over in March. (Lydia Chubak/CTV News Northern Ontario)

"We 100 per cent have qualified candidates within the service here and we really hope that they apply," added Grenke.

In the meantime, Lavoie said he is adapting to new technology in the workplace and to issues like the opioid crisis, homelessness and shootings that he didn't have to deal with 20 years ago.

Lavoie told CTV News that he anticipates a permanent chief will be hired by March.