OPP detachment commander to retire

Inspector Michael Reynolds, Quinte West OPP detachment commander, will be retiring on May 31. Photo courtesy quintewest.ca

By Sean McIntosh

BELLEVILLE – Quinte West OPP‘s detachment commander will be retiring this year.

Inspector Michael Reynolds’ career spanned 35 years, with stops in Toronto, Wasaga Beach, Kawartha and Quinte West.

Looking back on his time as a police officer, he said he has a lot of pride.

“Thirty-five years is a mouth-full and I never thought it would go by this fast, but it’s been a very rewarding career,” he said.

Reynolds added that he doesn’t have any plans following his retirement.

“I think I’m going to take some time to decompress,” he said. “Maybe spend a little bit of time with my family or travel.”

Reynolds will officially retire on May 31.

Quinte West deputy mayor Jim Alyea said he’s sad to see him go.

“We’re losing his expertise and everything he’s contributed,” he said. “He’s been a great person to work with, been great with the community and I couldn’t ask for any better.”

The search for Reynolds’ replacement is underway.

“(Reynolds) is going to have a big pair of shoes to fill, but I’m quite sure there are other people out there more than capable,” Alyea said.

The city is hoping to have someone named as the new detachment commander by the time Reynolds retires, he added. If a permanent replacement isn’t found by May, a temporary commander will be put in place.