Saskatchewan RCMP Assistant Commissioner Rhonda Blackmore was officially sworn in as the 35th Commanding Officer of the Saskatchewan RCMP on Thursday.
RCMP Commissioner Brenda Lucki and representatives from the corrections and policing ministry, the Federation of Sovereign Indigenous Nations and Métis-Nation Saskatchewan are expected to be in attendance for the symbolic handover of authority from outgoing commissioner Mark Fisher.
Fisher left the RCMP in September 2020 before being hired as the new deputy chief of the Oak Bay Police Department on Vancouver Island in B.C.
There were also representatives from municipal police forces as well as 15 Wing Moose Jaw at the 1 p.m. event.
Lucki told attendees that the RCMP is “constantly evolving and adapting to the realities of an ever changing criminal environment.”
“Police officers must be motivated to show initiative and most of all have great perseverance. Rhonda, you exemplify those qualities, and I know that you will continue to excel in this role,” Lucki said during the ceremony.
Lucki highlighted some of Blackmore’s career achievements, including being the first woman to make it to the emergency response team.
Blackmore was commissioned to the rank of inspector in 2011 and promoted to superintendent in 2015 and appointed to the director of operational policies and programs.
“In this role, she oversaw the implementation of many of the MacNeil recommendations following the deadly shooting of three RCMP officers in Moncton, New Brunswick.”
Lucki said Blackmore was also critical in the expansion of the patrol car buying program and implementation of mandatory immediate action rapid deployment training.
In 2018 Blackmore took the job of district commander of the western Alberta district and was promoted to the rank of chief superintendent.
“Rhonda, you’re a trailblazer. Your outstanding experience with the RCMP and passion for developing and supporting all employees of the force is so commendable.”
Blackmore said she was honoured and privileged to be in the role.
“I could not have imagined where my RCMP journey would lead me,” Blackmore said.
“I have opportunities I never could imagine — travelling the world as a travel officer with the Governor General to learning about the diverse cultural backgrounds of communities across this country with our Indigenous people and so many others.”
Blackmore thanked Lucki and the Saskatchewan government for having faith in her to lead the province’s RCMP.
“I will continue to work hard to ensure the employees of F Division feel supported so they are able to do their important work and that the citizens of this province are being provided with the best possible policing services.”
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