Chief Greg Skinner announces retirement from Stratford Police Service

At the Feb. 18 police service board meeting Chief Greg Skinner announced his retirement. Pictured here are Skinner and Mayor Martin Ritsma, chair of the board.

At the Feb. 18 police service board meeting, Chief Greg Skinner announced his retirement from the Stratford Police Service.

During his announcement, he thanked the board, pointed out areas for improvement and highlighted the emotional toll of policing and the importance of reducing stigma around mental health.

“While the profession has done a lot to understand the impact of trauma, it is the cumulative exposure to stressful situations that impacts police officers most,” he said. “We have made huge strides toward assisting not only police service members, but also members of the community who are suffering from mental illness, but we need to be more particularly focused on eliminating stigma.”

Skinner also addressed his belief in the need for technological advancements in law enforcement.

“I remember 20 years ago or so being in a briefing meeting on a homicide investigation when the senior investigator said, ‘I’ve never seen a computer that can solve a homicide,’” he said. “While technology may not actually conduct a physical arrest, it certainly is integral to providing evidence leading to that arrest and, more importantly, ensuring that innocent people are not convicted of crimes they didn’t commit.”

He praised Stratford’s diversity and community spirit, emphasizing the need for progressive leadership to address systemic challenges and maintain public trust.

“You only get one hometown, and I boast about this being my hometown every chance I get,” he said. “Other communities envy Stratford because of its diversity, the welcoming nature of its residents and business owners, its love of sports and arts, its international reputation, its world-class restaurants, and its focus on community safety and well-being. It truly is a great place to grow up, work, raise a family and grow old.”

Skinner began his career with the Ontario Provincial Police on Sept. 8, 1987. Over more than 30 years with the OPP, he served in a variety of operational and leadership roles across Ontario, ultimately attaining the rank of superintendent.

In 2018, he returned to his hometown to serve as chief of police for the Stratford Police Service. His appointment marked both a professional milestone and a personal homecoming, bringing his extensive provincial experience back to the community where he was raised.

During his tenure as chief, the Stratford Police Service advanced key priorities, including enhanced community engagement, continued modernization of operations, officer wellness initiatives and strengthened partnerships with community agencies and stakeholders. Under his leadership, the service remained responsive, community-focused and committed to the principles of professional policing.

The board recognizes Skinner’s four decades of distinguished policing service and his lasting contributions both provincially and within Stratford.

“On behalf of the Stratford police service board and the residents we serve, I want to express our sincere appreciation to Chief Skinner for his decades of leadership and service,” said Martin Ritsma, chair of the board. “From his early days with the OPP to his leadership here in Stratford, he has demonstrated unwavering integrity, professionalism and commitment to public safety.”

The board will initiate the process to appoint an interim chief of police and begin recruitment for a permanent appointment in accordance with the Community Safety and Policing Act.