Waterloo regional police Chief Bryan Larkin to retire

Bryan Larkin, chief of the Waterloo Regional Police Service, will retire after 31 years of service, it was announced Thursday.

A news release said Larkin will work with the police services board to decide on a transition date. An interim police chief has not yet been named.

"It has been a true honour to lead this organization over the past eight years and serve beside the incredible members who commit themselves each and every day to public safety and wellness," Larkin said in the release.

He began his career with regional police in 1991, starting as a constable and rising to the rank of superintendent, the release said.

Before becoming chief with the Waterloo regional service, he also served as deputy chief and chief of Guelph police.

He currently serves as president of the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police (CACP) and is a past president of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police (OACP).

He has been awarded the Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medal and is an officer of the Order of Merit of the Police Services an honour granted by the Governor General.

In a release, regional chair Karen Redman who also chairs the police services board thanked Larkin for his years of service.