FROM: 2019 Brantford Police Services Board: Vincent Bucci, Chair: Brendan Ryan, Vice Chair; Mayor Kevin Davis; Councillor Greg Martin

RE: Impending Retirements for July 27 2019

Today, the Brantford Police Services Board announced the forthcoming retirement of Chief Geoff Nelson from the Brantford Police Service, effective July 27, 2019. After 30 years in policing, 13 in senior leadership positions, including five years as Chief of Police,

Nelson is looking forward to the next chapter in his life, devoting more time to family and friends. Chief Nelson began his career at the Brantford Police Service Patrol Section in 1990. He was promoted to Sergeant in the Criminal Investigation Section in 2003 and Staff Sergeant in 2005 before being promoted to Inspector in 2006 where he held assignments as the officer-in-charge of the Executive and Administration Branches. He held the position of Deputy Chief of Police from 2011 to 2014 at which time he was appointed Brantford’s Chief of Police.

As a distinguished member of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police and the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police, Geoff is well regarded by his colleagues locally, provincially and nationally. He is actively involved in community organizations, including Special Olympics, the TICK Board, and the Lansdowne Children’s Centre Foundation. Chief Nelson was presented with the Order of Merit of the Police Forces in 2017 in recognition of exceptional service and performance of duty.

“I’m grateful for the opportunities and experiences I’ve had throughout my career with the Brantford Police Service”, said Chief Nelson. “I’m extremely proud of our Service and the men and women who work so hard every day to uphold its honour and am confident it will continue to grow successfully through their ongoing leadership. In the meantime, I still have a lot of work to do, and am focused on ensuring the Police Service is well resourced and well positioned for a smooth transition in the next six months.”

The Board sincerely thanks Chief Nelson for his dedication, leadership and the indelible mark he leaves on this community.

Also announced today is the impending retirement of Deputy Chief Rob Dinner effective August 31, 2019, at which time he will have completed 29 years of service with the Brantford Police Service. Deputy Chief Dinner also joined the Brantford Police Service in 1990. He began as a Uniformed Patrol Officer before being assigned to roles in the Auto Theft Unit of the Criminal Investigation Section, Casino Liaison Officer in the Criminal Intelligence Unit, patrol Sergeant and Platoon Commander where he served as a Staff Sergeant. Rob was also a long-serving member of the Service’s Emergency Response Team for 11 years and led the 15-member unit for six years. In 2011, Rob was promoted to the rank of Inspector and served as the Branch Commander in charge of Operations. In 2014, he was appointed Deputy Chief of Police, serving under the leadership Chief Nelson.

“It has been my great honour to serve the people of this community alongside Chief Nelson”, said Deputy Chief Dinner, “and it feels fitting for me to also retire at this time. I have proudly worn the uniform of the Brantford Police Service since 1990 and I will  retire having every confidence that the citizens of Brantford will continue to be well served by the highly professional and dedicated members of the Brantford Police Service. I am grateful to the members of the Brantford Police Service, both past and present, who have supported me throughout my career.”

The Board also wishes to extend our thanks to Deputy Chief Dinner for his years of public service and significant contributions to safeguarding our city.