2024-08-22 Press Release

Pictured (From left to right) Jodi Empey Chief, Chris Kettyle – new Deputy Chief of Police, Rob Dopson Vice Chair of the PSB

Smiths Falls Police Services Board Announces Deputy Chief of Police

The Smiths Falls Police Services’ Board wishes to announce the hiring of a new Deputy Chief effective September 3^rd 2024, after a Province wide search. Chris Kettyle will be sworn in as Smiths Falls newest Deputy Chief of Police. Chris Kettyle recently retired from the OPP after an exemplary career as a Detective Staff Sergeant and Deputy Director in charge of Organized Crime in the Region. Starting in 1994, he has worked his way from general patrol including implementing bike patrol in Quinte and Lanark County, became a member of the Emergency Response Team (ERT), Drug Enforcement Unit out of Ottawa/East Region, Sergeant in charge of ROPE and CIB. Aside from an impressive career in Eastern Region and beyond, he grew up in Smiths Falls and has settled with his family in Perth for many years.

“We are very pleased to have him here and look forward to working with him.” Shawn Pankow- Chair of the Police Services Board

“Deputy Chief Kettyle has an extensive amount of operational, leadership and mentorship within the communities he has served and with those he has worked with and supervised. He is very well respected within the ranks of the OPP and from his supervisors. Chris also comes with knowledge of Smiths Falls and has worked with a lot of us here collaboratively in his time with ROPE and with drug projects over the years. He is well liked and knows the importance of having our own municipal service and the benefits that comes with it. I am very happy that I will have a partner with a similar proactive vision of wanting to improve the service not just from within, but for the betterment of our community. He will be a perfect fit for our service and community.” Chief Jodi Empey

“ I am extremely honoured and humbled to commence my role as the Deputy Chief of the Smiths Falls Police Service. The men and women of this service are very dedicated and truly reflect the notion of Community First in all that they do. It is my intention to build upon the excellent leadership that has and continues to be demonstrated within the service and I truly look forward to meeting and interacting with the residents, and community partners of this great town. I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to the Smiths Falls Police Services Board for putting their trust and faith in me to assume this leadership role.” Deputy Chief Chris Kettyle

The Smiths Falls Police Service had been without a Deputy Chief since January 2024 when Chief Mark MacGillivray retired and Jodi Empey became A/Chief taking on both roles.

Deputy Chief Kettyle will be sworn in September 9^th 2024.