NEWS RELEASE
SOUTH SIMCOE POLICE SERVICE
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After 36 years of exemplary police service, Deputy Chief of Police Sheryl Sutton of the South Simcoe Police Service has announced her retirement. Her last day will be March 31, 2025.
“Throughout her career, Deputy Chief Sutton has made significant contributions to policing and building stronger connections with policing partners, community stakeholders and residents. Her 36 years of dedicated service and genuine desire to helping others reflects her commitment to the service and our communities,” said Chris Gariepy, Chair, Bradford West Gwillimbury/Innisfil Police Services Board. “On behalf the Bradford West Gwillimbury/Innisfil Police Services Board members, I extend our heartfelt gratitude to Deputy Chief Sutton for her loyalty and tireless efforts to the police service and the Bradford West Gwillimbury and Innisfil communities. We wish you all the best in your upcoming retirement,” said Board Chair Chris Gariepy.
“It has been a privilege to work with Deputy Chief Sheryl Sutton. She has been an exceptional asset consistently going above and beyond in her duties. Her leadership, critical thinking skills, and commitment to her duties have been invaluable to contributing to community safety, improving operational efficiencies for the service and building stronger community relationships. She has faced challenges with resilience, constantly prioritizing the safety and well-being of others first. Her legacy of leadership and integrity in policing has been an inspiration and will continue to resonate long after her retirement. While we will miss her steady guidance and expertise, we are incredibly grateful for her contributions and years of dedicated hard work, sacrifice, and commitment to the service, our policing partners, and the communities we serve. Thank you, Deputy Chief Sutton, wishing you a well-deserved retirement filled with happiness, good health, and contentment,” said Chief of Police John Van Dyke, South Simcoe Police Service.
Deputy Chief Sutton began her policing career with the Toronto Police Service in 1988 before joining the South Simcoe Police Service in 1995. She has served in a variety of leadership and mentorship roles during her policing career. She was promoted to the rank of Inspector in 2021, and as a senior leader, managed many diverse areas including Patrol Operations, Support Services, and Investigative Services, and was the Officer in Charge of Professional Standards and Liaison for the Special Investigations Unit. In her role as Deputy Chief, she oversaw all operational and administrative functions while ensuring the service was in compliance with the requirements of the new Community Safety and Policing Act.
She has been an inspiring role model and a true trailblazer throughout her career, paving the way for others to follow in her footsteps. She was the first female police officer to join the Emergency Response Unit (ERU). She competed for the position in 2003 as a Constable and continued with the ERU when she was promoted to Sergeant. She was the Officer in Charge of the ERU for a period time. Sutton worked in the Criminal Investigation Bureau as a sexual assault, child abuse investigator and crisis negotiator. She also became the first female to hold the rank of Inspector at the service.
Deputy Chief Sutton is a graduate of Georgian College Law and Security Administration Program, Barrie Campus and is completing her Honours Bachelor of Police Studies. She has received the Police Exemplary Service Medal, a Chief’s Commendation for Meritorious Service, a Chief of Police Award for Volunteering, a Chief’s Commendation and an Award of Excellence for Investigation. She is a proud supporter of the Special Olympics and the Ontario Law Enforcement Torch Run.
"I am deeply grateful for the opportunities I have been afforded throughout my policing career. It came with a great deal of hard work, perseverance, and long hours, but each experience and challenge has contributed to my personal and professional growth. The true reward in my 36 years of policing has been the privilege of helping others and knowing my actions made a positive impact on their lives. Serving as Deputy Chief of Police and holding various positions throughout my career has been a rewarding and invaluable experience, not only in supporting our communities and residents, but also in working closely with the dedicated members of the South Simcoe Police Service. It has been an honour and privilege to be your Deputy Chief of Police. While this chapter my career journey is coming to a close, the friendships, memories and lessons learned will stay with me forever. Thank you for your trust, dedication and commitment to the service and our communities. Wishing everyone continued success and safety in the years to come,” – Deputy Chief Sheryl Sutton, South Simcoe Police.
The Bradford West Gwillimbury/Innisfil Police Services Board is currently in the process of recruiting a new Deputy Chief of Police.
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