Vernon's New Top Cop

Kelowna's loss is Vernon's gain.

Inspector Steve McVarnock has been named Vernon's new Top Cop.

He replaces Inspector Clair Hayward, who announced his retirement last Wednesday.

"He surprised everyone when he announced he was stepping down," says Cpl. Henry Proce of Hayward.

Proce says McVarnock's appointment has some strings attached.

He says the job must still be posted internally across Canada.

"There must still be a competition for the position, but I would suggest McVarnock may have the inside track."

McVarnock began his new post Monday.