RCMP Inspector Hunter Moving on to Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional RCMP Detachment.

GUEST NEWS RELEASE

The process of finding a successor to outgoing Superintendent, Ted De Jager, has been completed with the appointment of Inspector Brian Hunter to the position of Detachment Commander for the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen Regional RCMP Detachment.  The appointment was announced today by the RCMP National Headquarters.

Chief Superintendent Brad Haugli, Commander of the RCMP’s Southeast District, is pleased with the announcement and selection of Inspector Brian Hunter. “Inspector Hunter is a seasoned leader to take on the role as the incoming Officer in Charge of Penticton and South Okanagan Similkameen Regional Detachment. He has a vast experience in policing throughout this diverse province and certainly understands the challenges and opportunities within the region. I am confident he is the right fit and will continue to focus on the initiatives that are important for our communities.”

Inspector Hunter currently serves as the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Port Alberni RCMP Detachment, a position he has held since 2016.  Prior to this he was the OIC for the Oceanside Detachment, starting in 2008.  Overall, Inspector Hunter’s RCMP career has spanned 26 years with additional appointments and deployments in Shawnigan Lake, Telegraph Creek, Dease Lake, Salmon Arm and Williams Lake.

“Council is pleased a final decision has been made to fill this critical policing role,” said Penticton Mayor, John Vassilaki.  “We are confident that Inspector Hunter’s experience will make him an approachable community leader who will listen to the concerns of our residents on matters concerning homelessness, drug use, mental illness and property crime while his knowledge of community policing will ensure the laws of Canada are upheld.  In the coming weeks, Council and I look forward to meeting with Inspector Hunter to discuss the necessary alignment of the RCMP’s duties and functions with the Community Safety priorities set by Council.”

Karla Kozakevich, Chair of the Regional District of Okanagan Similkameen, stated “crime prevention is a foundation of our quality of life and in the rural communities we need a commanding officer who understands what our citizens expect and is committed to engaging with us to discuss how we’re going to protect the rural lifestyle. Our Board looks forward to working with Inspector Hunter and welcoming him to the Region.”

Inspector Brian Hunter and his wife, Julie, are excited to be moving to Penticton. He says "the Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen region is an extremely vibrant community with so many great people and organizations at the backbone of what makes the area a great place to live, work and play. I am looking forward to connecting with our Penticton South Okanagan Similkameen RCMP team and community partners to continue a collaborative approach in reducing crime."

-30-

Contact:

Philip Cooper
Communication Manager
City of Penticton
250-490-2583