The Mountie filling the role of Staff Sergeant at the Williams Lake RCMP said he took the job because of the challenge.
“It’s a busy detachment with a lot of members who are gung-ho and eager to work,” Sgt. Del Byron said from Alexis Creek where he has been stationed since July as detachment commander. “I am impressed with the members and support staff currently working in Williams Lake.”
Byron’s appointment was announced Tuesday, Dec. 9, however, it could take a few months before he is permanently stationed in Williams Lake.
His position in Alexis Creek will need to be filled and it will take time for his transfer, he said.
Originally from Winnipeg, Man., Byron joined the RCMP in 1985.
“I knew by my late teens I wanted to serve the public, protect people and serve the country,” he said.
Throughout his career he has been stationed in Saskatchewan, Northwest Territories, Manitoba and B.C.
Byron said he believes policing in Williams Lake will be quite similar to policing in Prince George, where he was stationed for 10 years.
His formal position is Operations Non Commissioned Officer at the Staff Sergeant rank. He hopes to create a high-energy, innovative and enthusiastic work environment.
“I’m not a micro-manager,” he said. “In the RCMP we have many talented and capable professional people. It’s all about giving them the space they need to do what they do. I’m open to new ideas.”
Byron said there are three options when it comes to dealing with prolific offenders.
“They move away, are put in jail, or we help them change their behaviour. Williams Lake has 12 prolific offenders and nine of them are from Anaham Reserve. Most of them are in jail right now.”
Byron and his wife Tammy of 28 years have two grown sons, both living in Vancouver.
Aside from work he loves working out, cycling and judo.
“I haven’t been able to be involved with a judo club for five years so that’s one of the first things I am going to get back into when we move to Williams Lake.”
Byron replaces Staff Sgt. Ken Brissard who left Williams Lake last fall for a position with the RCMP in Nanaimo.