The chief of the Saugeen Shores Police Service has announced his retirement plans.
Dan Rivett has submitted his resignation to Saugeen Shores council effective November of 2017, which will wrap up just over 11 years as chief when he hands over the reigns.
He says it's in the best interest of both the police service and the municipality that a new chief comes on board, adding he believes a chief should stay on no longer than ten years, joking that he's violating his own belief.
Rivett says he has no firm future plans, but adds he will still continue to work in some capacity. However, he did not elaborate.
With big decisions looming in Saugeen Shores regarding it's policing; with the police service board proposing a new $5.2-million police building; and calls from within the community to investigate using the OPP, Rivett believes council will make the right decisions.
"My true belief is with this council, given the appropriate information, facts not fiction, they'll make the proper decisions," says Rivett. "Both is retaining its local municipal police service and providing a proper facility," says Rivett.
Rivett says he gave a one-year notice of his retirement in order to give the Saugeen Shores Police Service Board lots of time to find a new chief.
Mayor Mike Smith says Rivett's retirement comes as no surprise.
"I know he's struggled with [the decision] because I've talked to him about it many times before, but I wish him all the best and thank him for what he's done for Saugeen Shores," says Smith.