Changing Of The Guard In Midland

The Town of Midland will begin the transition in January from its own police service to the OPP. After listening to last-minute thoughts from residents council last night voted 6-3 to make the switch. Those in favour cited the cost savings expected in the long term. Councillor Cody Oschevski was among those wanting to maintain the status quo…

The transition when it begins is expected to take about three years to complete. The OPP has indicated it will offer jobs to some of the current staff with the Midland Service and tells us a working group is now in the process of booking meetings to discuss the transition. Midland Police Chief Mike Osborne has penned the following open letter to residents:

“Dear Community Members,

After 125 years, our proud organization will be closing its doors and a new chapter is beginning for Midland with the Ontario Provincial Police.

The dedicated women and men of the Midland Police Service will continue policing with distinction until the last day, just as they have since this process started.

During the next few months, we will work closely with our OPP partners to ensure a smooth transition that will have the least impact on those that need us.

As the Chief of Police, I could not be prouder of our team, at every level and in every position. Having policed this community for 26 ½ years I know that they have provided the most compassionate, professional, and efficient service possible. This was evident by your comments at the public meeting, and I thank you for supporting the hard work of our Members.

I respect that Council has had a difficult decision to make, I thank you for your support, I thank the OPP for their professionalism throughout this exercise, our Members for their unwavering dedication to public safety and community policing, and our families for their love and patience during stressful times.

Although we still have a few months of hard work left, and I will no doubt communicate with you again, I want to take this opportunity to thank you for the privilege of serving you. This has been my home for most of my adult life, a beautiful place to raise a family, and a great place to one day retire. I wish each one of you, the best of luck and good health.

Sincerely,

Mike Osborne
Chief of Police