Peterborough police Deputy Chief Tim Farquharson to retire March 1

After more than 36 year of service, Dep. Chief Tim Farquharson has announced his retirement from the Peterborough Police Service effective March 1.

In a statement issued by the Peterborough Police Services Board early Wednesday, the board said Farquharson will end his career in one month.

He began his career in 1986 as a constable with the former Peterborough-Lakefield Community Police Service and has held a number of roles and duties with the front line, community patrol, criminal investigations, intelligence, drug unit and support services, and at all ranks, most recently as Deputy Chief of Police.

Farquharson spent February 2022 to January 2023 as acting police chief following the retirement of Scott Gilbert. New police chief Stuart Betts was sworn in on Jan. 9.

The board noted Farquharson is a Member of the Order of Merit of Police Services for his role in creating the Peterborough Drug Strategy Task Force. He has also been the recipient of several awards and honours related to exemplary service and leadership in policing.

The board also noted his hours of personal time providing for fundraising events and causes in the city including his “Stand With Tim” to support homelessness and mental health initiatives.

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“Throughout his career, Deputy Farquharson has been an advocate and worked tirelessly to develop supports and raise awareness on issues related to homelessness, mental health and addiction,” stated board chairperson Mary ten Doeschate.

“Deputy Farquharson has been an excellent ambassador for both the Peterborough Police Service and the Peterborough community for many years.”

But it wasn’t always a smooth relationship with the city. In 2017, Farquharson and former police chief Murray Rodd were embroiled in a heated contract dispute with the city when the former Peterborough-Lakefield Community Police Service disbanded in 2015. Neither officer lost their job but their contracts stated they were each entitled to a year’s salary as compensation (around a combined $460,000) if the force was to dissolve.

The city initially refused to pay and threatened legal action but both sides eventually reached an agreement in October 2017. The amount was never made public.

Ten Doechate says the board thanks Farquharson for his “exemplary dedication” to serving the citizens of Peterborough, Township of Cavan-Monaghan and Village of Lakefield.

“His commitment to the service members and community was most recently noted as he took on the role of Acting Chief during the past year,” she said. “The Board wishes Deputy Farquharson all the best on his upcoming retirement.”

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