The London Police Service will have to find a new deputy chief, now that Darryl Longworth is going back to Woodstock.
The Woodstock Police Services Board announced Friday that Longworth has been appointed the new chief of police in Woodstock. His return to Woodstock comes after he served as deputy chief of the London Police Service for four years. Prior to his appointment in London, Longworth was the deputy chief of police in Woodstock for six years.
Longworth, who was born and raised in Woodstock, said the decision to leave the London Police Service was not an easy one.
"This has been an extremely difficult decision for me to make as I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here and have come to love this community and this police service," he said. "It will be difficult to for me to leave, however, I look forward to continuing to work with the LPS for many years to come by strengthening what is already a very good working relationship between the two police services.”
“The board is very pleased that Daryl will be the next Chief of Police of the Woodstock Police Service," Woodstock Police Services Board Chair Mary Anne Silverhorn said in a statement issued Friday. "Daryl has an exceptional skill set which will go a long way towards expanding our service, strengthening community connections and building partnerships. The Board looks forward to working with Daryl as we enter a new phase of policing in our growing community.”
Silverhorn's praise for Longworth was echoed by Woodstock Mayor Trevor Birch.
"We are very excited about Daryl Longworth returning to Woodstock as the chief of police," he said. "He brings experience from a large service – experience that will continue to enhance our community, and our commitment to serve and protect the members of this community. The selection of Daryl for the Chief’s position will be good for the Friendly City.”
Longworth will start his new role with Woodstock police in September. His departure leaves the London Police Services Board looking to file two senior roles. Chief John Pare announced his retirement in January. His last day on the job will be June 28.
