The Ridge Meadows RCMP detachment has a new officer at its helm.
Insp. David Fleugel officially took charge of the detachment Wednesday but had been filling the position vacated by Supt. Dave Walsh since the end of July.
Walsh now works as a criminal operations program support officer at ‘E’ division headquarters.
Fleugel will be promoted to the rank of superintendent in the near future.
“Dave has been a key part of the community for over two years and his energy, professionalism and passion for his work and our community are evident in everything he does,” said Maple Ridge mayor Ernie Daykin.
“Maple Ridge has been fortunate to have officers of the calibre of Superintendent Walsh serve our community and Inspector Fleugel’s appointment ensures that the tradition of strong leadership and the shared vision regarding community safety and policing will continue.”
Pitt Meadows mayor Deb Walters thanked Supt. Walsh for his contributions to the community and welcomed Fleugel to his new role.
“The communities of Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows have been very well served by exceptional officers in charge who have not only contributed to the development of one of the finest detachments in Canada, but also have been true ambassadors and true leaders within our communities,” said Walters.
” We are continuing on with this proud tradition of service with this appointment.”
Insp. Fleugel joined the RCMP in 1992 in Ottawa after receiving a bachelor’s degree from Carleton University in sociology and criminology.
He’s worked primarily in the Lower Mainland, serving in general duties, property crimes section, general investigation section, drug squad and administration.
In January 2008, Fleugel became one of the first regional duty officers for the Lower Mainland District Regional Police Service.
As a regional duty officer, Fleugel assisted with operations through the district, by overseeing high risk RCMP investigation across Metro Vancouver and helped in the coordination of cross jurisdictional events.
In 2009, he was appointed the operations officer in Burnaby, the second largest RCMP detachment in Canada. He arrived in Ridge Meadows in May 2011 as an operations officer, and most recently filled the role of acting officer in charge.
“Inspector Fleugel has a proven and commendable history in operational policing, and is a progressive-minded individual,” said Assistant Commissioner Norm Lipinski, the RCMP Lower Mainland District Commander. “I’ve worked with Dave for a number of years now, and know him as a tenacious police officer who is always on the lookout for better ways to do things. I think he’ll make an excellent addition to our Lower Mainland management team.”
