Father hands command of Manitoba RCMP detachment to son

THE PAS, Man. — The Mounties say its members are family, and in one detachment in Manitoba, command has become a family affair.

Staff Sgt. Noel Allard said it was a special moment Tuesday when he handed the reins of The Pas detachment to his son Staff Sgt. Jeremy Allard.

The elder Allard told those at the change of command ceremony he’s leaving his post in good hands.

Jeremy Allard wrote his entrance exam to the RCMP in The Pas in 2001 and he grew up in northern Manitoba. He said he’s excited to be home and closer to family.

“The Pas is known as a great place to live and work, and I’m looking forward to being part of that,” Jeremy Allard said. “Taking over from my dad has made this very special for me.”

His father told the crowd that The Pas “is getting a younger, more educated and highly respected detachment commander. But then, I may be biased.”

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The younger Allard takes over command effective Tuesday, while his father moves to the north district office in Thompson, Man., in an advisory position.

Assistant Commissioner Kevin Brosseau, commanding officer of the RCMP in Manitoba, said the change at the top is not the only thing that was passed from father to son.

“Pride in serving and pride for the force is also a big part of the Allard family’s commitment to community.”