Announcement of the new Commanding Officer for RCMP in BC
By Contributor
Today the RCMP announced the appointment of Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald who will be the next Commanding Officer of the RCMP in British Columbia. A/Commr. Dwayne McDonald will assume the rank of Deputy Commissioner when he takes over command from D/Commr. Jennifer Strachan on July 1, 2021 No decisions have been made yet with respect to a formal change of command ceremony.
Statement from Deputy Commissioner Jennifer Strachan, Commanding Officer of the BC RCMP
After 33 incredible years with the RCMP, I have made the difficult decision to retire so that I can spend more time with my family.
I joined the RCMP because I wanted to make a difference and contribute to change. My career has certainly provided me that opportunity and a lot more. I have had the honour of working in multiple detachments, sections, Provinces and a peace keeping mission in Haiti. When I was named the Commanding Officer of the RCMP in BC, my 13th and now last physical relocation, brought me back home to BC where my policing career started.
I am extremely honoured to have served as the Commanding Officer of the BC RCMP and work with some truly incredible police officers, civilian employees and volunteers. There is a great deal of diversity, innovation and expertise within our organization and an unwavering commitment to keep our communities safe. I have also enjoyed the collaboration and engagement from Indigenous leaders, local and provincial governments and our public safety and law enforcement partners and agencies throughout the province. There is a collective interest to do the very best we can when it comes to public safety.
I will be leaving the position next week but in very capable hands. I am excited that Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald will be the next Commanding Officer for the RCMP in BC. A/Commr. McDonald is a great leader with the expertise and passion to continue to move our people and policing forward in BC. Policing in BC is complex and A/Commr. McDonald is ready to take on the challenges, build on best practises and explore the new opportunities.
To my RCMP colleagues, you have my utmost respect and have make me proud with your courage and professionalism through the pandemic. While many were at home, you were on the front lines. Thank you for your continued service and dedication.
To British Columbians, thank you for your community engagement and support. Initiatives like my hometown city of Vernon’s creation of RCMP Appreciation Day is just one example of the amazing support and recognition we have received from our contract partners and citizens around BC.
Statement from Assistant Commissioner Dwayne McDonald, incoming Commanding Officer
I am excited and truly honoured to be named the next Commanding Officer of the BC RCMP. Our police officers and civilian employees continue to meet and exceed expectations in the ever changing and challenging landscape of policing and public safety. I have had the pleasure of serving in British Columbia in municipal, specialized operations and federal policing positions throughout my 26 year career with the RCMP.
I know that policing is evolving. I am ready to be part of the change and work with our people, partners and communities to make it even better. Our policing team will succeed if we set shared goals, have clearly defined roles, enhance our relationships and increase trust and confidence. I want to continue to build on Deputy Commissioner Strachan’s legacy and I am optimistic about the way forward.
