Smiths Falls Police Services board appoints new police chief
The Smiths Falls Police Services Board has announced a new police chief, and she’s a veteran member of the service.
“Effective July 3, 2024, the Smiths Falls Police Services Board would like to formally announce the appointment of Jodi Empey as Police Chief for the Town of Smiths Falls,” the board said in a press release.
A veteran member of the Smiths Falls Police Service, Chief Empey joined as a recruit in 1994 and continued to move up the ranks throughout her 30-year career in Smiths Falls. Chief Empey held the position of Deputy Chief in 2022 and has served as the Acting Police Chief since January 1, 2024, when former Chief Mark MacGillivray retired from the force.
“Chief Empey brings with her a unique and required understanding of the Service’s history, community needs, and the future desired vision of the Smiths Falls Police Services Board. She has demonstrated professionalism and leadership serving in all ranks, while building exceptional relationships with community partners, stakeholders and residents,” the board said in the release.
“We were pleased to see Chief Empey become the first female Deputy Chief and now Police Chief in our history. Her dedication and extensive knowledge required to effectively lead the force will assist the team to evolve with the changing needs of the community. We look forward to seeing her many accomplishments as Chief,” said Shawn Pankow, Chairperson of the Smiths Falls Police Services Board. “Currently we are one of 43 Municipalities within Ontario who provide Municipal Police Services to their community. This has allowed us to tailor law enforcement services to the specific needs of our town while maintaining consistent staffing and responsiveness,” noted Pankow.
“I’m honoured to become the 20th Chief going back to 1881 when the first Chief of Police was appointed, for this beautiful town that I have lived and worked in for the past 30 years. I have an amazing team within the Service, and I look forward to continuing to work with them as we move forward with a positive vision and direction for the community we serve,” noted Chief Empey.