The Sarnia Police Services Board has accepted a retirement notice from Deputy Police Chief Bob Farlow -- not even two months after Chief Phil Nelson announced he will retire next summer.
It's a hard pill to swallow for Board Chair and Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley.
"It has been difficult losing two respected leaders who've worked so well together and had guided the service over the last ten years," says Bradley. "The deputy chief has served 39 years as a Sarnia police officer. He's served with distinction, he's been a pleasure to work with over the years, deeply loves the police service, deeply loves the community and he's going to be greatly missed."
Bradley says Farlow initially expressed interest in becoming chief,, and was the lead contender for the position, but has decided it's not meant to be.
"He's had to make some decisions based on his own personal needs, life and his family and I respect him for that. That's the right thing to do. Both the chief and deputy have given us ample time to look at the way forward," says Bradley. "Next week we'll have information on what we'll be doing as a board as we deal with the selection of a chief and a deputy chief at the same time."
Farlow's final day is May 25, 2018.