The Stewart RCMP has introduced their new detachment commander, Corporal Derek Rondeau, to the team.
Rondeau took command of his new role this past September, replacing former detachment commander Kevin Wright who transferred to Alberta.
Moving to Stewart with his family for the job from Prince George, he says he was looking forward to serving a smaller community and taking advantage of the outdoor lifestyle.
“I was very well aware of the community when I applied for it, I knew it was a small coastal town nestled in the mountains with ocean fishing and good snowmobiling,” says Rondeau. “You’re known by your first name here, you get to know the community… that was one of the big draws [moving here] and also that it’s a little slower paced.”
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Rondeau says he grew up in Valemount and has served in northern B.C. for almost 12 years now, previously being posted in Fort Saint John and Fort Saint James. His most recent posting in Prince George was working in a drug unit with the RCMP street crew for several years, where he was awarded police officer of the year in 2016.
“Each place has its own unique highlights, I’ve been able to work with some very good people and had very good work experiences,” he says.
“The communities have always been very accepting.”
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This is his first role as a commander and says he’s happy to work with a smaller team, who also welcomed another new officer late August.
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