TORONTO — After a decade at the helm of the country's largest police service, Toronto Police Chief Bill Blair, who oversaw a high-profile investigation of Mayor Rob Ford, will be forced out in April.
Toronto Police Services Board members met behind closed doors today to discuss the future of the city's top cop and have decided not to renew Blair's contract for a third term.
"After considerable discussion related to the Toronto Police Service's continuing need for organizational renewal the Board has decided not to renew the employment agreement of Chief Blair," the TPSB said in a statement issued Wednesday.
The board says Blair will finish out his current term, which expires in April 2015.
"Chief Blair has had a long and distinguished policing career with the Toronto Police Service," the TSPB said. "He is widely viewed as a champion of community policing and a leader in law enforcement around the world."
At City Hall, Ford was quick to react to news of Blair's looming departure.
"I want to thank Chief Bill Blair for his service to the people of this great city for the last 10 years," Ford said.
"There was a decision made from the police services board today that his contract will not be renewed and this is a decision that was made strictly by the police services board.
"I look forward to working with the next police chief in April of next year."
Ford — who was openly critical of Blair for the ongoing Project Brazen 2 investigation that focused on him — declined to comment further and whether he supports the decision.
"It was a police board's decision," Ford said.
Sun News : Police chief who clashed with Rob Ford over criminal investigation gets the boot
