Garth Pierce was recognized during Owen Sound council's March 11, 2024 meeting. (supplied photo)
A longtime member of the Owen Sound Police Services board was recognized during Monday’s city council meeting.
Mayor Ian Boddy took time to honour Garth Pierce, a member of the police board for 20 years who recently retired.
Boddy says Pierce became chair of the board in 2007 and was involved in the hiring of two city police chiefs — Bill Sornberger and current chief Craig Ambrose.
“Throughout his time on the police board he worked diligently to establish priorities, objectives and policies to better serve the citizens of Owen Sound,” Boddy says. “Garth’s professionalism, his commitment and dedication to serving our community through the police board is unparalleled.”
Pierce moved to Owen Sound in 1980 from Sudbury to work as the president and CEO for then the General Marine Hospital. He was involved in attracting funding and developing plans for the new Grey Bruce Regional Health Centre, which opened in 1986.
Beyond the police board, Boddy says Pierce also served on the city’s physician recruitment ad-hoc committee for five years, and the council remuneration ad-hoc committee for two years.
“On the side, he’s been very active in service clubs and many other activities in Owen Sound,” Boddy says. “We wish him and his wife Joan a healthy and happy retirement.”
Pierce offered some brief comments after accepting the award: “I’ve really enjoyed Owen Sound. It’s been a fun place to live. I know you’re in very good hands. Thank you for the opportunity to have served.”