South Simcoe Police Service Chief of Police John Van Dyke will retire in January.
This will conclude a 37-year policing career serving the communities of Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
The Bradford West Gwillimbury/Innisfil Police Service Board announced Van Dyke’s retirement this week. It officially takes effect January 29th, 2027. His last day in office will be December 22nd.
Chris Gariepy, chair of the Police Service Board, thanked Van Dyke for his leadership and commitment to the communities he has served.
“On behalf of the Police Service Board, I extend our sincere appreciation and gratitude to Chief Van Dyke for his 37 years of dedicated service, leadership and unwavering commitment to our communities. Throughout his career, John has demonstrated the highest standards of professionalism and integrity, with a genuine commitment to the people he serves and the members who serve alongside him. His leadership has been defined not only by his dedication to public safety, but also by the relationships he has built, the trust he has earned and the compassion he has consistently demonstrated. His contributions have left a lasting impact on our police service and the communities we serve.”
Chief Van Dyke has been a member of the South Simcoe Police Service since its formation in 1997. During his career, he has worked in a range of operational and leadership roles, including General Patrol, Criminal Investigations, Recruiting, Professional Standards, Courts and Community Services.
His experience spans supervisory, management and executive leadership positions, providing him with a broad understanding of policing and the changing needs of Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
Throughout his tenure, Chief Van Dyke has focused on strengthening community relationships, supporting the well-being and professional development of police members, and ensuring the service responds to the needs of the communities it serves.
His leadership reflects the service’s motto, “Protect with Courage. Serve with Compassion.”
Beyond his work with South Simcoe Police, Chief Van Dyke has contributed to the wider policing profession through involvement with several Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police committees and service on community boards. In 2015, he served as security planning lead for the Pan Am Games Shooting Centre hosted by the Town of Innisfil.
Gariepy says Van Dyke’s impact extends beyond his work as chief.
“John’s legacy extends well beyond his accomplishments as Chief of Police. He has been a respected colleague, mentor and leader who has dedicated much of his life to the South Simcoe Police Service and the people of Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil. We thank him for his many years of service and personal sacrifice, and wish John and his family good health, happiness and every success as he begins this well-deserved next chapter.”
The Police Service Board will begin the process of identifying Van Dyke’s successor. The board says it is committed to ensuring a transition that supports leadership continuity and the continued delivery of policing services in Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil.
