First female Smiths Falls Police Chief, Jodi Empey, announces retirement
After more than 32 years with the Smiths Falls Police Service, Police Chief Jodi Empey has announced her retirement, effective Dec. 31, 2026.
Chief Empey started her career as a recruit in 1994 and eventually advanced all the way to Police Chief, details a Smiths Falls press release issued on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
In 2022, Chief Empey was appointed Deputy Chief, later serving as Acting Chief before being appointed Police Chief in July 2024. She was the first female Police Chief in the history of the Service.
“Chief Empey’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the community have been invaluable to the Smiths Falls Police Service,” said Chris Saumure, Chairperson of the Smiths Falls Police Services Board.
“Her decades of service, including breaking barriers as the first female Chief of Police in Smiths Falls, have helped shape the organization into what it is today. On behalf of the Board and the community, we thank Chief Empey for her years of dedication and wish her all the best in her well-earned retirement.”
Throughout her career, Chief Empey has been a strong, professional leader with a deep commitment to community policing, the release shares. The Service and residents of Smiths Falls have deeply benefitted from her dedication to public safety.
“It has been an incredible honour to serve the Town of Smiths Falls for the past 32 years,” said Chief Empey.
“I am extremely proud of the members of the Smiths Falls Police Service and grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such dedicated individuals throughout my career. Serving this community has been a privilege, and I will always cherish the relationships and experiences gained along the way.”
The Smiths Falls Police Services Board will begin the process of planning for leadership transition and recruitment in the coming months to ensure a seamless continuation of service for the community, the release notes.
The Town of Smiths Falls and the Smiths Falls Police Services Board extend sincere appreciation to Chief Empey for her many years of service and wish her all the best in her retirement.