After 34 years of dedicated service, Provincial Constable Mark Yarmel has officially retired from his law enforcement career. Yarmel served for 15 years with the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) and 19 years with the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), leaving behind a legacy of hard work and commitment to the communities he served.
Mark Yarmel, often called “Yar-mee” by his colleagues, started his policing journey in 1991 with the Hamilton Police Service (HPS) as a special constable. Three years later, he transitioned to a uniformed constable role, where he worked as a frontline patrol officer. Later in his HPS career, Yarmel worked as a detective in the break and enter squad, contributing to numerous investigations.
In 2006, Yarmel made the move to the Ontario Provincial Police, serving in Renfrew. During his time with the OPP, he worked as a frontline patrol officer and also served in the Community Street Crime Unit (CSCU) as a detective. His final assignment was with the Upper Ottawa Valley (UOV) OPP Detachment, where he worked as a collision reporting specialist in the Collision Reporting Centre (CRC), starting in 2023.
Throughout his long and distinguished career, Yarmel played an important role in protecting the people of Ontario. In recognition of his service, UOV OPP Detachment Commander Steph Neufeld expressed heartfelt gratitude, saying, “Thank you for almost three and a half decades of loyal service to the residents of Ontario. We wish you a very happy and well-deserved retirement.”
Mark Yarmel’s retirement marks the end of an era for both the Hamilton Police Service and the Ontario Provincial Police. His colleagues and the communities he served are sure to miss his dedication and expertise. Wishing him a peaceful and fulfilling retirement.
(Written by: Emma Butler)