A long-serving member of the Belleville Police Service Board is calling it a day. At its last regular meeting before a new city council begins its term, the board’s Chair Jack Miller announced he would not be reapplying to sit on the board.
Miller has served a total of 13 years on the police board with his first appointment coming in 2003 when Mary Ann Sills was mayor of the city.
“I’ve served under five police chiefs, including Interim Chief Brian Harder, and four different mayors,” said Miller. “These last four years have certainly been interesting and not only because of the COVID-19 pandemic. There was the “defund police” movement coming on strong in America, personnel issues, contract negotiations, and of course the selection of our new Chief and Deputy-Chief (Mike Callaghan and Chris Barry respectively).
Miller went on to say the Chief and Deputy had been doing a great job. “I’d like to thank the board for their support and that of the Chief and Deputy along with the rank and file. I think we’re leaving the Belleville Police Service in pretty good shape.”
Chief Callaghan also thanked the board for their support, saying it was noticed by the rank and file officers who managed to maintain an excellent attendance record even during the height of the pandemic.
The only returning member to the board in 2023 will be Heather Smith. Not returning will be Miller, Murray Angus, current city councillor Kelly McCaw, and current Mayor Mitch Panciuk.
In her parting remarks McCaw said she hoped the new board and city council will support the hiring of more officers to meet the needs of a fast growing community.
At Tuesday’s meeting the board approved Heather Smith’s application to become a member of the Ontario Association of Police Services Boards, Zone 2 Executive Committee.
Heather Smith is the only member of the current Belleville Police Services Board who will be returning as the new city council’s term is about to begin. (Photo: Quinte News)
