Al Frederick staying on as police chief until June 2019

Windsor Police Chief Al Frederick will stay in his role until June 2019, despite plans to retire at the end of January.

• 'I've had a great career': Police Chief Al Frederick announces his retirement

Mayor Drew Dilkens announced the 17-month extension during a recruitment update Thursday.

Dilkens said that around the same time Frederick announced his retirement, the city had also submitted a proposal to provide police services to the Town of Amherstburg.

Last week, Amherstburg told the city they were going ahead with public consultations.

"The (police services) board wanted to keep continuity at a very important time with someone who was instrumental in submitting the original proposal," said Dilkens.

The chief agreed to extend his contract to oversee the proposal.

"I understand where the board is coming from and I understand the importance of continuity and I take this as a new challenge," said Frederick. "I'm looking forward to the next 17 months and seeing through some dynamic issues with policing in addition to the RFP with Amherstburg."

Frederick explained that the city's hundred-page proposal detailed the contract policing scenario which would replace the town's current police force.

Even if Amherstburg chooses not to accept the plan, Dilkens said we still "have a great police chief" for the next 17 months.

Frederick will also be on hand to help the force recruit two new deputy chiefs as the officers currently occupying those roles will retire next year.

Retirement plans delayed

Frederick announced his intention to retire after a 33-year career in law enforcement back in September with plans to become more active and spend more time with his wife volunteering and enjoying the outdoors.

At the time, Mayor Drew Dilkens said the city's police board immediately launched a nation-wide search for a new chief, but on Thursday he said the board "never interviewed a single candidate."

Frederick said he spoke about the decision to stay on with his wife and family before accepting the extension.

"I'm very happy," Frederick said of his choice to stay on.