New top cop

Photo: Kate Bouey

The acting head of Vernon's RCMP detachment now has the job officially.

Supt. Jim McNamara was promoted to the position Wednesday after consultation with North Okanagan communities.

McNamara has 30 years of experience in policing, primarily in operational and front-line duties.

He's been at the Vernon detachment since 2010, first starting as operations officer, in charge of day-to-day matters.

The detachment serves a wide area including Vernon, Coldstream, Spallumcheen, Armstrong, Enderby, Lumby, Falkland and the Splatsin and Okanagan First Nations.

"On behalf of council and the staff of the City of Vernon, we are pleased by the appointment of Supt. Jim McNamara,” Vernon Mayor Akbal Mund said in a news release.

“In the last number of months in his role as acting superintendent, Jim has demonstrated a strong commitment to communication with the city and engagement with the citizens of Vernon and the North Okanagan.”

“His leadership skills and vast knowledge base will benefit the organization, the community and the region."

Before his posting to Vernon, McNamara worked in an advisory role for the B.C. RCMP in its Southeast District office, ensuring detachments in the area were meeting expectations of the communities they served.

Previous experience also includes watch and operations commands, command of the tactical troop, and oversight of crime prevention and victim services for a Lower Mainland detachment. All his policing service is within B.C.

“During his service with Vernon/North Okanagan detachment, Jim built strong relationships with local government officials and First Nations communities,” said Chief Supt. Brad Haugli, Southeast District commander. “Those relationships were instrumental in his being named to head the detachment.”

“Policing is very much something we do in partnership with our communities,” he added.

McNamara had praise for those who work with Vernon police. “The detachment has an incredible group of competent, capable and dedicated employees, police officers and volunteers.”

“They do a fantastic job of working with the community to help keep all of us safe ... This is a great community to work and live in."

McNamara stepped in as acting head of the North Okanagan detachment following the retirement of Supt. Reg Burgess in March.