Staff Sergeant Milo MacDonald of Calgary, Alta., has been announced by the City of Williams Lake and North District Commander and Chief Superintendent Rod Booth as the new Detachment Commander for the Williams Lake RCMP.
MacDonald was hired following the departure of Insp. Warren Brown.
MacDonald joined the RCMP in 1996.
"Coincidently enough, Williams Lake was my first posting," MacDonald said. "Not only was the work exciting, but the natural beauty of the community allowed endless recreational opportunities. The opportunity to come back full circle to Williams Lake is eagerly anticipated."
Following Williams Lake, MacDonald was transferred to Anahim Lake, Kelowna, then served a 10-year in stint in the Peace region of B.C. between Fort St. John and Dawson Creek.
In the Peace, MacDonald had the opportunity to lead a drug section, a Serious Crime Section and finally the detachment command in Dawson Creek.
In early 2014 MacDonald was afforded the opportunity to take command of the North District Combined Forces Special Enforcement Unit (CFSEU), which is a specialized unit tasked with investigating and disrupting organized crime in Northern B.C.
MacDonald is married with two children and enjoys spending time in the outdoors. Some of his favourite activities include kayaking, fishing, hiking, mountain biking and snowmobiling — all pursuits MacDonald and his family plan to continue in the Cariboo.
"We are certainly no strangers to the Chilcotin region and looking forward to calling this area our home," he said.
Williams Lake Mayor Walt Cobb said the Officer in Charge plays a critical leadership role in Williams Lake, both among the RCMP membership, city council and senior staff.
"Staff Sgt. MacDonald's experience and familiarity with the policing issues in our detachment area will add considerable value to the vision council has set for protective services in our community," Cobb said. "We look forward to welcoming Staff Sgt. MacDonald to Williams Lake as our new Officer in Charge."