It's official — Amherstburg Police Service is no more.
As of the new year, the Windsor Police Service has officially taken over policing in the town after the switch was approved by the Ontario Civilian Police Commission in July 2018.
The 20-year contract is expected to save the town $570,000 a year.
Chief Frederick was on hand at the stroke of midnight to oversee the formal swearing-in of the on-duty officers policing @Aburg_TownHall tonight for the 1st shift serving the WPS-Amherstburg Detachment.
— WPS-Amherstburg Detachment (@WPS_Amherstburg) January 1, 2019
Proud & historical moment!
Welcome all, & Happy New Year!#HonourInService pic.twitter.com/2j9uJ365x9
Amherstburg Mayor Aldo DiCarlo says the switch is a bit sentimental, but he feels it is for the best for the town for its future.
"I think everybody knew it wouldn't be an easy decision," he says. "It was really about the money, we don't have any major issues with our officers."
According to DiCarlo, the transition has had its ups and downs but overall he says it's been alright. "There is always a few obstacles to overcome but I think we did a pretty good job with that but looking forward, if we didn't have faith in Windsor police I don't think we would have voted to switch."
DiCarlo also says residents won't notice a difference, adding "it is essentially the same people in a different uniform."