Robert Walsh, who has 35 years of police experience and took over as police chief in 2021, has announced that he will retire as of Jan. 1, 2026. Photo by IAN NATHANSON/CAPE BRETON POSTArticle contentCape Breton Regional Police Chief Robert Walsh is set to retire at the start of the new year.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentIn a notice sent out by the Cape Breton Regional Municipality on Monday, Walsh announced that he will retire as police chief as of Jan. 1, 2026.Article contentArticle contentWalsh has 35 years of policing experience, including patrols, traffic services, street crime and drug enforcement, major crime investigations and emergency response. He has 16 years of senior leadership experience, proudly serving the last four as chief of police and president of the Nova Scotia Chiefs of Police Association.Article contentArticle content“I am honoured and grateful to have had the opportunity to serve my community as chief of police, alongside the many dedicated professionals in what I believe is one of the best police services in the country, that is well-positioned for what lies ahead in policing,” Walsh said in a statement.Article contentWalsh was appointed acting chief of police in February 2020, after the extended absence of his predecessor, Peter McIsaac who had taken a medical leave of absence. In April 2021, Walsh took over as police chief.Article content“We want to sincerely thank chief Walsh for his years of service and dedication he has shown to our community. We are grateful for his leadership and wish him the very best in his next chapter,” Mayor Cecil Clarke said in a statement. “This transition also presents an opportunity to renew and strengthen the Police Service in the CBRM as we look ahead.”Article contentTo ensure a seamless leadership transition, the CBRM Board of Police Commissioners will meet to initiate the transition process to outline the recommended process for succession planning.Article content“On behalf of the police commission, I extend our thanks to the chief for his commitment and dedication he brought to the role,” Glenn Paruch, police commissioners board chair, said in a statement.Article content“The commission will support a smooth transition and continue to work closely with police leadership to ensure strong, community-focused policing for our residents.”Article contentMore to come …Article content
BREAKING: Cape Breton Regional Police Chief Robert Walsh announces retirement plans
