Police Chief Bill Renton Set to Retire in June

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Friday, 29 March 2019 09:51

Bill Renton's last day as the Chief of Police for Woodstock will be on June 14th of this year.

WOODSTOCK - The Chief of Police for Woodstock is set to retire this year.

Bill Renton's last day as the Chief of Police for Woodstock will be on June 14th. Chair of the Woodstock Police Service Mary Anne Silverthorn says that Chief Renton will surely be missed.

Under Chief Renton's leadership of the Woodstock Police Service many changes have occurred. He has spear-headed renovations to the Court House with a strong desire to improve the safety for all. A pride that we all share from Chief Renton’s leadership is the new addition to the station. Although it seemed to take a long time to complete, the day of the Open House the Chief clearly demonstrated his pride in the building as the community viewed the facility. Chief Renton's desire to build better supports throughout the community saw the Woodstock Police Service partnering in the Oxford Situation Table and MHEART. Mental Health Engagement & Response Team to support the community's most vulnerable people including those suffering from mental health, addictions and homelessness issues. Chief Renton is a compassionate man who cares deeply about
the people in his service, as well as the community."

Chief Renton has been with the Woodstock Police Service since July 1st, 2010 where he started as the Inspector of Operations. He probably best known for his lead role as Major Case Manager in the high profile Tori Stafford investigation in 2009. Over 900 officers from across the province were involved in the multi-jurisdictional investigation, which received not only national, but also international media coverage.

Renton came to WPS with over 18 years of municipal policing experience working with the former Haldimand-Norfolk Regional Police Service, followed by 12 years with the OPP, when he retired as a Detective Inspector.

Chief Renton was the Major Case Manager for a number of other headline crimes including the Douglas Creek Estates native occupation in Caledonia from 2006-2008. His experience also greatly assisted the recent multi-jurisdictional investigation by Woodstock, London Police and the OPP in the long-term care home investigation of murderous Woodstock nurse Elizabeth Wettlaufer.

Renton was promoted to the Chief of Police in 2015 after the retirement of Rod Freeman. He has also received the Order of Merit for Police Services by the Governor General which is the highest form of professional recognition given to serving police officers in Canada.

His career in law enforcement earned him a Police Exemplary Service Medal (20 years) and First Bar, symbolizing 30 years of meritorious police service, as well as the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal.

Chief Renton's official retirement will begin January 31, 2020. With accrued time from his years of service, his last work day will be June 14, 2019. The search for his successor has already started and the Woodstock Police Board will start seeking applicants both internally and externally right away.

Chair Silverthorn wishes to express that the Board and citizens of the community sincerely thank the Chief for his many years of dedicated service and wish him a long, healthy and happy retirement. Chief Renton has exemplified through his extensive career and actions, the characteristics of an effective police leader.