Woodstock’s chief of police is set to retire this fall after three decades of policing.
On Tuesday, the Woodstock Police Services Board announced Daryl Longworth will step down from his role as Chief of Police on October 31.
“Becoming a police officer was a dream come true and I am truly blessed to have been a member of such a noble profession,” Longworth said in a statement. “Although I have always tried to put family first, there have been many, many times during my career where the job has been all-consuming and has deprived my family of a father and husband. It’s now time for me to step away from policing and devote all of my time to my family and other interests.”
During his 30 year career, Longworth worked on a number of homicide investigations, undercover drug and tactical operations as well as investigations into outlaw motorcycle gangs. He served with the Woodstock Police Service as deputy chief for six years before accepting the same position with the London Police Service in 2015. In 2019, Longworth returned to Woodstock as the service’s 26th police chief.
“Chief Longworth has made an exceptional contribution to policing in Woodstock as he has achieved many significant accomplishments over the past three years which will have a lasting effect on the service,” said WPS board chair Ken Whiteford.
Longworth will continue working in his role as chief for the next several months giving him an opportunity to advance or finalize some initiatives he’s worked on during his tenure as chief.
