An open letter to the citizens of Surrey.
Over the past four years, I have had the privilege of being the Officer in Charge of the Surrey RCMP.
It has been an extremely rewarding position. It was also the toughest position I have taken on in my career – however, I believe that is what made it so rewarding.
Surrey was my first RCMP posting back in 1989, and it is where I have spent the majority of my service in the RCMP. I confess that it is not easy to leave. The people here are second-to-none – both those who work and volunteer at this detachment and those that live in the community. I live and raised my kids here, and the city will continue to be important to me.
Fortunately, I will continue to work with Surrey in my new role as the Lower Mainland District Commander.
Surrey is a large city experiencing dynamic growth and, with that growth, we have seen public-safety issues change. I have been proud to be a part of the transition in this great city and I look forward to what lies ahead.
There were some extremely dark or difficult days – the senseless homicide of Julie Paskall and the tragic death of Const. Adrian Oliver while on duty in Surrey. Those were days that made me both question my strength and build my resolve. Those were also days when I was so grateful for the compassion, determination and support of the people in this community and that I worked with.
But the great days far outweighed the dark ones: visiting our youth on Pink Shirt Day, presenting my first Officer in Charge Awards, expanding our Vulnerable Persons Unit, hosting forums and neighbourhood meetings to talk to residents, meeting young police recruits, working with local agencies to launch the Surrey Mobilization and Resiliency Table, walking amongst you at community events, and many more.
As I depart from my role, I would like to sincerely thank you for your support, your trust and your assistance. It is has been an honour to serve you and be your Officer in Charge.
Asst. Comm. Bill Fordy, Surrey
