North Bay's new top cop won't officially take over the role until March 25 but the NBPS Board made his hiring official during Tuesday's board meeting.
The North Bay Police Service announced it has completed its search for a new Chief of Police, naming former Woodstock Police Chief Daryl Longworth as its new leader.
“I’m excited to be here in North Bay, and I look forward to meeting and engaging with both the community and the members of the North Bay Police Service, to explore what is currently working and what opportunities exist for improvement,” said Chief Designate Longworth.
Longworth wasted little time in setting the tone for his watch as he met with the local media (see video above) for the first time. Longworth said he is looking forward to a smooth transition as current Police Chief Scott Tod eases into retirement.
First, Longworth, also the former deputy chief in both Woodstock, Ont., and London, Ont., said he and his family will be busy finding a home in the area. Longworth says the natural beauty and lifestyle in North Bay played large roles in enticing him out of a brief retirement.
Police Board Chair Rich Stivrins said there were over 20 "highly qualified candidates" for the position.
Tod said Tuesday he will meet with the media before his departure next month, preferring to give the new hire centre stage.
Chief Designate Longworth has served as a police officer for more than 30 years. He spent 26 years with the Woodstock Police Service, before becoming the Deputy Chief of the London Ontario Police Service. He returned to Woodstock Police in 2019, where he served as Chief until 2022.
His career has included homicide investigations, undercover drug investigations, tactical operations and investigations into outlaw motorcycle gangs. He also served on the Board of Directors of the Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police for three years.
Longworth will be sworn in on March 25 and will replace outgoing Chief Scott Tod, who has served as the Chief of Police in North Bay since 2019.
