Shelburne welcomes back formers SPS officers from OPP training in Orillia

Written By Paula Brown

Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Town of Shelburne welcomed back familiar faces, as newly trained OPP officers return to the community. 

The twelve former Shelburne Police Service (SPS) officers officially graduated from the Experience Officer Training Program, at the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Academy in Orillia on March 5. 

A small and simple ceremony, limited to a maximum of 20 people due to the COVID-19 pandemic, was held outside of Town Hall to welcome the officers back and acknowledge their achievement. 

Mayor Wade Mills, members of council, representatives from the Shelburne Police Board and representatives of the OPP command staff were in attendance for the ceremony. 

“For the twelve of you who are proudly returning today in your new uniforms, I sincerely hope that you will find long, happy and fulfilling careers with the OPP. You are now supported by one of North America's largest deployed and most respected police services and you will undoubtedly benefit from the opportunities, the resources, and the quality of leadership that come with that,” said Mayor Wade Mills. 

“Today is a day of celebration and each of you should be filled with pride given the accomplishments that you have achieved. Your families, your friends, and your community share in that pride and we are overjoyed to have you back in Shelburne.” 

The Shelburne Police Services officially disbanded on Feb. 18, since then the OPP Dufferin Detachment has patrolled the community.