Tim Farquharson has been named next Chief of the Port Hope Police Service, effective March 1
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, February 1, 2023 - Port Hope, ON
The Port Hope Police Services Board announced today the selection of Tim Farquharson as the new Chief of Police of the Port Hope Police Service (PHPS). A 36-year veteran of policing, Chief Designate Farquharson is departing the Peterborough Police Service and will assume the role of Chief of Police in Port Hope on March 1, 2023.
“Thank you to the Board for instilling confidence in me to lead the Port Hope Police Service, which is steeped in tradition,” states Chief Designate Farquharson. “My commitment is to keep the community safe. To make that happen, it starts with each member of the police service. Humility is knowing I can’t do it alone and I always remember that I need the team more than they need me. I am excited to engage and collaborate with my community partners, HBIA, citizens, sworn and civilian members and the Board. I have been blessed my entire career in policing. I am leaving incredible people and a great police service to start with another great police service that has established positive partnerships with the OPP, Cobourg Police Service and Peterborough Police Service. Leadership is about people, and I look forward to learning from members of the Board, partners, and the community.”
Chief Designate Farquharson joins the Port Hope Police Service from the Peterborough Police Service where he has served since 1986, most recently as Deputy Chief. He has extensive experience in Operations and Criminal Investigations, including a lengthy tour of duty in the Intelligence and Drug Investigation Units.
He is a Fleming College graduate and has taken courses at Trent University and Carleton University. He is also a graduate of the Rotman Police Leadership Course through the University of Toronto, and he attended the FBI Police Leadership Program in the United States.
Chief Designate Farquharson is a member of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Drug Advisory Committee and is also the current Chair of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP) Substance Advisory Committee. He is a member of the OACP Organized Crime Committee, and the Director of Zone 3 for the OACP. He is an active member of many other agencies and committees dealing with the challenges of substance use.
His extensive experience has parlayed into various speaking opportunities. He has made presentations as an expert on building relationships with youth and supporting the four-pillar approach to the drug crisis in the City of Peterborough. He also presented as a guest of the Canadian Consulate in Montana and Utah on the topic of policing and drug issues. He recently presented at the North American Drug Dialogue regarding drug challenges.
Over the course of his successful career, Chief Designate Farquharson has received many accolades, including the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal of Bravery and he has been invested as a Member of the Order of Merit of the Police Forces.
When he is off-duty, Chief Designate Farquharson spends a great deal of time raising funds and awareness to support various community agencies and stakeholders in their tireless efforts to help our marginalized and vulnerable population.
Additional quotes
“After an extensive search and consideration of a diverse group of well qualified applicants, we are pleased to announce that Chief Designate Farquharson will lead our Police Service and support our community,” adds Jeff Gilmer, Chair of the Port Hope Police Services Board. “He is a community collaborator and avid volunteer with a particular interest in bringing awareness, and working with community partners, to find solutions for critical community challenges including mental health, addictions, and homelessness. He is an experienced police officer and leader, and he understands the challenges of leading a police force. We look forward to working with Chief Designate Farquharson.”
“I want to congratulate Chief Designate Farquharson on his new role as the Municipality’s next Chief of Police,” adds Olena Hankivsky, Mayor of the Municipality of Port Hope. “He is a veteran officer who brings policing expertise coupled with community activism to ensure community well-being. I commend the Port Hope Police Services Board on their diligent search process and look forward to working with Chief Designate Farquharson.”
“The Port Hope Police Services Board would also like to thank Chief Bryant Wood for his dedicated service to the PHPS for the last three decades - eight years leading the Service as Chief,” continues Mr. Gilmer. “We wish him all the best in his well-earned retirement.”
Outgoing Chief Bryant Wood announced his retirement last fall, after more than 30 years with the Service. The Municipality of Port Hope thanks Chief Wood for his dedication and commitment to the Police Service and the community.
About the Port Hope Police Services Board
The Port Hope Police Services Board (PHPSB) is a legislated body in place to oversee how policing is provided in our community. The Board contributes to our community’s safety and well-being by working with local citizens and organizations to make sure the community receives the appropriate policing it needs.
The current members of the PHPSB are:
- Jeff Gilmer, Chair
- John Hudson
- George Kallonakis
- Mayor Olena Hankivsky
- Councillor Les Andrews
The recruitment process and candidate selection for the position of Chief of the Port Hope Police Service is conducted by the Port Hope Police Services Board, in accordance with provincial legislation.
Policing is provided in the Municipality of Port Hope by the Port Hope Police Service in the Urban Area and the Ontario Provincial Police in the Rural Area.
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