Marking 100 Years for TPS Legend

Family, friends and colleagues joined a Toronto Police Service (TPS) legend in celebrating his 100th birthday.

Jack Reid retired as a staff superintendent in 1984 but has remained closely connected to the TPS family through the Toronto Police Military Veterans Association (TPMVA) who threw him a party marking his milestone at the Royal Canadian Legion Wilson Branch 527 in North York.

“Jack Reid is legendary in the Toronto Police,” said Chief Myron Demkiw. “Even in retirement after policing, he went on to give decades of volunteering to hospitals. He is the very best of all of us and has set an example for all of us to aspire to and to follow.”

Retired Sergeant Doug Surphlis said Reid is greatly respected for his humble service.

“Jack Reid has done it all and he has done it with grace,” he said. “He is great to be around. The respect he gets from others is enormous.”

Joining Toronto Police in 1941 as a Clerk in the Chief’s Office, Reid took leave two years later to enlist with the Royal Canadian Navy and serve aboard the HMCS Longueil during the Battle of the Atlantic.

Receiving his discharge after the War, he rejoined Toronto Police and was sworn in as a Constable and rose to the highest rank before Deputy Chief.

“I am very proud of my policing career,” said the centenarian. “When I retired, I wanted to be still there. I would go back tomorrow.”

He thanked everyone who came to the party for their support.

“I got here with the support of a wonderful family and all of you, in one way or another, have contributed to my longevity and I appreciate your support through the years. And as they say, I’m a very lucky guy,” Reid said.

The TPS the Drill, Dress & Deportment Award presented at graduation ceremonies for new police constables was recently renamed the Jack Reid Toronto Police Military Veterans Association Award. Reid still attends to present the award to the graduate who wears their uniform with the most pride and presence.