Timmins police board hires recruiting firm to help find new police chief

The search for a new police chief in Timmins will be carried out by an executive search firm, the police board said Thursday. (File)

The search for a new police chief in Timmins will be carried out by an executive search firm, the police board said Thursday.

“Recognizing the significance of this public leadership position, the board has engaged Waterhouse Executive Search, an executive search firm with a distinguished track record in recruiting top-tier leadership for public safety organizations,” the board said in a news release Thursday.

Timmins needs a new chief after Dan Foy suddenly announced his retirement last month, less than two years after he took the job.

No reason was given for Foy’s decision. Police board chair Kraymr Grenke later told CTV's Lydia Chubak that Foy wants to spend time with his family, with two of his children still in school.

Police in Timmins have struggled to recruit and retain officers in recent years. The police board said the search for Foy’s replacement will “commence immediately, reflecting the Timmins police services board's commitment to a timely and effective transition.”

“Regular updates and communication milestones will be shared with the members of the Timmins Police Service at appropriate intervals,” the board said.

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“Given the public nature of this leadership position, the board felt it imperative to conduct a full selection process to ensure the voices of the Timmins Police Service members and the community as a whole are heard,” Grenke is quoted as saying in the release.

“Waterhouse Executive Search, with their proven track record, will ensure a comprehensive and thoughtful selection process to identify a leader who will lead into the Timmins Police Service in the future."