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The search for a new police chief is now underway in Hamilton after Glenn De Caire announced last week he’s leaving for a new job at McMaster University. But he’s not leaving empty handed, as he’ll be collecting a full police pension for his 35 years of service.
“I don’t think it’s any surprise that someone who has been involved in policing for 36 years makes a decision to retire.” said De Caire.
But Hamilton police Chief Glenn De Caire did surprise the city by announcing Friday he’s leaving the service in the new year to become the Director of Security and Parking at McMaster University.
“I think it’s very important to recognize that my position has always been wanting to contribute to the city of Hamilton over the longer term, now McMaster has given me that opportunity.”
The move came just weeks after the police board voted to extend his contact for another two years, which would have seen him remain top cop until the end of 2018.
“He has decided now to retire. He is fully entitled to do that he is fully entitled to his pension.” said Lloyd Ferguson, Hamilton police board member.
The 53-year old will get a full police pension from 35 years of service in Hamilton and Toronto. 70% of his best 5 years. Last year his salary was about $245 000.
That means his pension could be in the $170 000. He’ll collect an annual salary from McMaster, likely in the range of $133 000 received by his predecessor, meaning his annual income could be over $300 000.
“It’s a business decision. He gets a $60 000 raise. So you can understand what motivated this. I think the part the board and the public are having a hard time with is he should have disclosed this to us when we were extending his contract.” said Ferguson.
De Caire says it’s not about the money. He says five senior officers are eligible for retirement in 2018, so now is a good time to get a new chief in place.
“To get their feet squarely into the position but then to make their selections through the promotional process for their command and thats a very important part of keeping our organization strong and moving forward.”
He says he would like the next chief to come from within the service. Ferguson says the search for a new chief will begin following the holidays.
The next police services board meeting is January 21st, 2016.
They’ll appoint an interim chief at that time and hope to announce a new chief by the spring.
