On August 4, Ogden Police Chief Christopher Mears announced his upcoming retirement from the Ogden Police Department. Mears has served in the Ogden Police Department for 27 years. His extensive police career includes serving as a K9 handler from 1999 to 2002 and being promoted to Sergeant in 2006. Mears attended the FBI National Academy Session 239 in 2009 and was named Chief in 2015. Chief Mears’ final day will be on Sunday, September 18. An interim chief will be appointed while the Town conducts interviews for a new chief.
“There are no words to adequately describe my gratitude to Chief Mears for his steadfast commitment and service to our town,” said Ogden Town Supervisor Mike Zale. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, Chief Mears demonstrated tremendous leadership and helped us navigate through difficult times. I’m thankful for his friendship and support as I transitioned to the role of Supervisor in January. He has been someone I could depend on, and I’ve always trusted his instincts and dedication to preserving our town’s public safety.
“We’ve been privileged to have such a loyal and respected public servant at the head of our local police department. I wish Chief Mears a happy and well-earned retirement and congratulate him on an extraordinary 27-year career with the Ogden Police Department,” concluded Zale.
“It has been such an honor to serve as Chief of this amazing group of police officers, civilian staff and volunteers,” said Chief Chris Mears. “I’m grateful to the community for the support I have received, and for the overwhelming support for this Department. I’m looking forward to new challenges and opportunities, but I will dearly miss working with my brother and sister officers and my fellow Chiefs.”
The day after he retires from the Ogden PD, Mears will take on a new role as director of security for the Spencerport Central School District. The Spencerport Board of Education approved Mears’ appointment to the position, effective September 19.
Superintendent Kristin Swann said, “We are incredibly fortunate and grateful to have Chief Mears lead the district’s safety and security efforts. His expertise and guidance is second to none, and we look forward to working with him in his new role, knowing our students and schools are in the best of hands. We also want to recognize OPD, the Town of Ogden and Supervisor Michael Zale for our strong partnership and for collaborating with us to ensure a smooth transition.”
Zale expressed that, “It is difficult to summarize in a few words the impact Chief Mears has had on our community for the last 27 years. We are truly indebted to him, and want to acknowledge his exemplary career, commitment to public safety, and influential leadership. So while we are sad to see him retire from the Ogden Police Department, there is no one more suited to serve as security director for Spencerport Central School District. I am thrilled to see he will continue playing an active role in our community and am excited to continue working with him in this new position.”
Chief Mears fills a newly-created position in the district, as part of the 2022-23 budget approved by Spencerport voters in May. Previously, the district contracted for a security director with an outside firm. Chief Mears will collaborate with school principals and district administrators on all security within our buildings and campus, as well as oversee and lead our districtwide initiatives and responses.
“I’m truly grateful for the opportunity to serve in the Spencerport Central School District, and I’m excited to get started,” Mears said. “My thanks to the board of education and the superintendent for naming me to this position.”
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