Supt. Jim McNamara
(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)
February 26, 2018 - 3:04 PM
VERNON - A change in leadership is coming at the Vernon RCMP detachment as top cop Supt. Jim McNamara retires after just over two years at the helm.
McNamara announced the end of his 33-year career with the RCMP, including the past eight years in Vernon, at a city council meeting today, Feb. 26. A former operations officer, McNamara was promoted to officer in charge in October of 2015.
“It’s been a great detachment, a great regional area to work in. It wasn’t an easy decision to make but the timing is right,” McNamara said.
RCMP Insp. Gord Stewart will be taking the reins as interim officer in charge until the position is officially filled.
McNamara said the biggest highlight of his career was his promotion to officer in charge of the Vernon RCMP detachment. He’s also pleased to be leaving the detachment as six new officers are due to be hired, following a recent approval from Vernon council for more funding.
“We need the resources,” McNamara said.
He said one of the biggest changes over his lengthy career was the move toward officers getting an association and having the right to collective bargaining.
“I think were at a point now where that’s necessary and it’s good to see they’re moving forward in that direction to deal with a lot of the issues that need to be addressed in the RCMP,” McNamara said.
Coun. Juliette Cunningham thanked McNamara and commended him for his compassion and empathy regarding social issues in the community.
Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund also expressed his gratitude for McNamara’s service.
“We appreciate all you’ve done for our Greater Vernon community,” Mund said.
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