Former Chief of the Dryden Police Service John Riley has passed away.
The Dryden Police Services Board says Riley’s commitment to serving the community was recognized by many.
John Riley was the Chief of Police from 1965 to 1987 and his list of accomplishments includes:
- He was responsible for the growth of the Dryden Police from its humble beginnings as a four officer Force to fifteen sworn members and five full-time civilian members upon his retirement;
- Throughout his career, Chief Riley endeavored to build a strong and responsible Police Service dedicated to the protection of all who lived in Dryden;
- He was instrumental in bringing many new technologies and equipment to the Service including obtaining the Dryden Police Service’s first Breathalyzer;
- He was very supportive of community service initiatives and a strong supporter of continuing education and professional development for the members;
- In 1977, Chief Riley was one of the driving forces behind the planning of a new Police and Fire building at 64 King Street.
- In 2005 Chief Riley’s accomplishments and contributions to the people of Dryden were recognized when the Dryden Police Service Headquarters was named as the John P. Riley Building.
Chief Riley spent his entire policing career in Dryden, raised his family and remained a citizen of our community into his retirement.
The Police Board offers their condolences to Riley’s family, stressing the City has lost a fine police officer, a former Chief and a strong proponent of safety for the Citizens who he so proudly served.
