Insp. Glen Dewey was honoured for 30 years of police work at town hall last week.
“We’re here for Glen’s proud milestone, 30 years of loyal service to law enforcement in Canada,” said Dewey’s boss, Perth Police Service Chief Pat Capello, during a special ceremony in the middle of the police services board meeting on Thursday, Nov. 8 in the town hall council chambers. “Glen has many accomplishments and is a true supporter of community policing in Perth.”
In his role as inspector, Capello explained, Dewey plans, coordinates and directs daily operations with his fellow officers, as well as setting goals, standards, values and ethics at the station.
Born in Forest, Ont., near Sarnia, Dewey studied law and security at Sir Sanford Fleming College in Peterborough. He joined the Lanark County OPP detachment in Perth on June 7, 1982, before being transferred to Elliot Lake, Ont., in January of 1988. However, northern living proved not to be to the Dewey family’s liking so they returned to Perth, and the Perth Police Service, with Dewey taking up new duties on April 26. He was promoted sergeant on May 10, 2004, and inspector on March 14, 2010.
“I’d like to thank his family,” said Capello. “You obviously must be very proud.”
His wife Bev, and son Ryan were in attendance. His other son Derek was unable to attend.
Thirty years did not seem like it for Dewey.
“Thirty years has flown by very quickly,” said Dewey. “I remember the 15-year mark and people said ‘Oh, you’re over the hump now.’”
Dewey said he was glad that he was able to spend so much of his policing career in Lanark County.
“The Town of Perth has treated me well,” said Dewey. “If you treat the people fairly, they will treat you fairly.”
Dewey leaves his post just as the Perth Police Service is being wound down, and the OPP are poised to take over policing duties in the town in the new year.
“I know a lot of stuff is going on with the OPP takeover. But I started off OPP and they are in good hands with them.”