Nelson’s top cop will step down when his five-year contract expires early next year.
Chief Wayne Holland told a recent police board meeting that he will end his policing career on Jan. 29. Holland came to Nelson in 2011 following almost 30 years with the Vancouver Police Department.
In a news release, Holland said leading the local police department has been “one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences” in his long career.
“We have excellent sworn, civilian and volunteer personnel who have been a pleasure to work with,” he said.
Although Holland has no immediate plans, he expects to do some travelling. He and his wife Eileen — who served on the Nelson library board and wrote a book updating its history — plan to return to the Lower Mainland to be near family and friends, although they expect to return to Nelson often.
During the police board meeting, Mayor Deb Kozak, who chairs the board, thanked Holland for his service to the department and community and wished him well in retirement.
The board has appointed a committee to find Holland’s replacement.
Holland is the 20th chief in the department’s history, which dates back to the city’s incorporation in 1897. He succeeded Dan Maluta.
